Semnopithecus – Gray langurs

Ranging from Afghanistan and Pakistan across India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and into southern Tibet and Sri Lanka, these monkeys are instantly recognizable for their slender bodies, long limbs, and extremely long tails, often longer than their bodies. Their fur varies from light gray to dark brown, depending on the species and region, but all share the dramatic feature of a black face framed with pale fur. With their noble, statuesque posture and expressive faces, gray langurs are among the most photographed and culturally significant primates of the Indian subcontinent.

Unlike many primates confined to forests, Semnopithecus species thrive in a wide range of environments: tropical forests, dry scrublands, alpine woodlands, and even bustling urban areas. They are primarily leaf-eaters (folivores), equipped with specialized multi-chambered stomachs that allow them to digest fibrous leaves and unripe fruits, but they also eat seeds, flowers, and occasionally insects. This flexibility allows them to survive in environments where food can be scarce. Their ability to live both in remote Himalayan slopes and in the heart of Indian towns shows just how versatile and resilient these langurs are.

Socially, gray langurs are fascinating and complex. They typically live in large troops, sometimes with a single dominant male and many females, and other times in multi-male groups. Grooming plays a key role in strengthening social bonds, while vocal calls, ranging from deep barks to whoops and shrieks, help them coordinate and signal danger. They are arboreal but also spend a lot of time on the ground, moving gracefully with long leaps. In rural and urban India, they are often seen near temples, villages, and city parks, where they sometimes become accustomed to humans and even receive offerings of food.