A rare and enchanting primate found only in the forests of central Vietnam, making it one of the world’s most unique and elusive monkeys. What makes this species stand out immediately is its striking appearance—a true blend of colors that almost looks painted. Its soft gray body is contrasted by an orange-yellow face, pale blue-gray arms and legs, and white ruffled fur around its neck, giving it a regal, almost otherworldly look. This combination of colors has earned the gray-shanked douc langur the nickname “the costumed monkey” because it looks like it’s dressed in an elaborate outfit.

What makes the gray-shanked douc langur even more special is its arboreal lifestyle. It spends nearly its entire life high in the treetops, rarely coming down to the forest floor. These langurs are skilled climbers and leapers, gracefully swinging from branch to branch in search of leaves, fruits, and flowers to eat. They live in social groups, often grooming each other and communicating through a variety of calls, facial expressions, and body language. Their social bonds are strong, and they tend to move together through the canopy in coordinated groups, keeping watch for predators such as eagles or large snakes.

Sadly, what also makes the gray-shanked douc langur unique is its status as one of the most endangered primates in the world. Due to habitat destruction, hunting, and illegal wildlife trade, its numbers have dwindled drastically over the years. Conservationists are working hard to protect the remaining populations, as this species plays a key role in the health of the forests where it lives by helping to disperse seeds and maintain plant diversity.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Cambodia

2015

Presence Uncertain

Vietnam

2015