Nilgiri langur

The Nilgiri langur is a captivating primate species indigenous to the Nilgiri Hills in the Western Ghats of South India, and they can also be found in the mountainous regions of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. These langurs are distinguished by their glossy black fur and golden-brown fur on their heads. Females have a unique white patch of fur on their inner thighs.

Nilgiri langurs live in social groups numbering around nine to ten individuals, subsisting primarily on a diet of fruits, shoots, and leaves. Unfortunately, their populations are under threat from habitat destruction and poaching. Their fur and flesh are often sought after due to the erroneous belief that they possess aphrodisiac properties, contributing to their classification as a vulnerable species.

The scientific classification of Nilgiri langurs has been subject to some debate. They were initially classified within the genus Trachypithecus because of their physical appearance. However, recent DNA studies have reclassified them under the genus Semnopithecus, aligning them with the gray langurs.

In terms of size, adult male Nilgiri langurs measure approximately 78–80 cm in head-and-body length, while females are slightly smaller, ranging from 58–60 cm. Their tails add another 68.5–96.5 cm. Males generally weigh between 9.1 and 14.8 kg, whereas females weigh around 10.9–12 kg. Although the exact gestation period is not well-documented, it is believed to be roughly 200 days, similar to their close relative, the Hanuman langur.