Javan Lutung
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| Trachypithecus auratus É. Geoffroy, 1812 |
The Javan Lutung, Trachypithecus auratus[1] also known as the Ebony Lutung and Javan Langur, is an Old World monkey from the Colobinae subfamily. It is glossy black with a brownish tinge to its legs, sides, and "sideburns"[3]. It is found and endemic to the island of Java, as well as on several of the surrounding Indonesian islands.
Like all langurs, this species' tail is noticeably long, measuring up to 87 cm in length while the body is only around 55 cm long[4]. The two subspecies of this lutung are fairly similar in appearance and are geographically separated; males and females are both usually glossy black, although the females pale, yellowish white patch around the pubic area. Juveniles of both subspecies are orange in color[5]. The nominate subspecies has a rare race that does not lose its juvenile coloration when it matures, instead the coloration darkens slightly, with yellow tinges on its sides, limbs, and around its ears, and a black tinge on its back[3].
The Javan Lutung inhabits the interior and peripheral areas of rainforests[3].
This primate is diurnal and arboreal[3]. Its diet is primarily herbivorous, eating leaves, fruit, flowers, and flower buds, although it also eats insect larvae. As with other colobines, it has evolved a specialised stomach to digest plant material more efficiently[4]. This species also has enlarged salivary glands to assist it in breaking down food[3].
Like other langurs, the Javan Lutung is a social animal, living in groups of around seven individuals, with one or two adult males in the group[3]. Although they will look after offspring of other mothers as well as their own, adult females are aggressive towards females from other groups. The brighter coloring of juveniles may alert females to their presence and ensures that they will always be noticed and protected[4][3]. This species has no discernable mating season and females produce one offspring at a time[3].
Subspecies:
- Spangled Ebony or Eastern Javan Lutung, Trachypithecus auratus auratus
- Western Javan Lutung, Trachypithecus auratus mauritius
[edit] Gallery
 Javan Langur Trachypithecus auratus in an English zoo |
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 Javan Langur Trachypithecus auratus Twycross Zoo, August 2006 |
[edit] References
- ^ a b Groves, Colin (16 November 2005). in Wilson, D. E., and Reeder, D. M. (eds): Mammal Species of the World, 3rd edition, Johns Hopkins University Press, 175. ISBN 0-801-88221-4.
- ^ Eudey et al (2000). Trachypithecus auratus. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 11 May 2006. Listed as Endangered (EN B1+2ab v2.3)
- ^ a b c d e f g h Primate Fact Sheets (October 15, 2003). Retrieved on January 1, 2004.
- ^ a b c Macdonald, D. (2001). The New Encyclopedia of Mammals. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
- ^ Rowe, N. (1996). The Pictorial Guide to the living Primates. East Hampton, New York: Pogonias Press.
