One of Southeast Asia’s most distinctive monkeys, famous for the pale circles of fur around its eyes that give it a wide-eyed, spectacled expression. This species is found across parts of Myanmar, Bangladesh, northeastern India, Thailand, Laos, and southwestern China, where it inhabits tropical forests, bamboo groves, and hilly evergreen woodlands.
One of the most striking features of this monkey is its appearance. Adults have dark gray to blackish fur, a long, graceful tail used for balance, and a pale muzzle. But what truly makes them memorable is the pair of bright white rings around their eyes, creating a look that resembles wearing spectacles. These “glasses” are especially noticeable on younger individuals, giving them an almost cartoonishly expressive face. Infants, however, look completely different—they are born with bright golden-orange fur, a coloration that gradually changes as they mature, making the babies stand out dramatically within their social groups.
Phayre’s leaf monkeys are arboreal specialists, spending most of their lives high in the forest canopy. With strong limbs and flexible joints, they leap gracefully between branches while foraging or traveling. As their name suggests, they primarily eat leaves, but their diet also includes fruits, flowers, seeds, and young shoots. Like other leaf-eating monkeys, they have a specialized multi-chambered stomach filled with bacteria that help break down tough plant fibers. This gut adaptation allows them to digest leaves efficiently but also means they must rest often, giving them a calm, relaxed lifestyle compared to more energetic fruit-eating monkeys.
Socially, Phayre’s leaf monkeys live in multi-female groups led by one or several males, although the exact structure varies by region. Group members spend much of the day resting, grooming, and foraging together. Grooming plays an important role in strengthening social bonds, reducing stress, and maintaining group harmony.
Distribution
Bangladesh
Official estimate
India
Official estimate
MyanmarAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Group
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
