Pygathrix

Pygathrix is a small genus of primates in the family Cercopithecidae, subfamily Colobinae, commonly known as doucs or douc langurs. Endemic to Mainland Southeast Asia, these folivorous, highly arboreal monkeys occur in the forests of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, with each species occupying distinct ranges in the Annamite mountain region and adjacent lowland habitats. The genus is distinguished by striking body coloration and a generally slim build, and members have sacculated stomachs specialized for leaf digestion.

The genus comprises three species: the red-shanked douc (Pygathrix nemaeus), the silvered douc (Pygathrix nigripes), and the gray-shanked douc (Pygathrix cinerea). Each species exhibits unique coloration patterns, with facial masks and limb colors that provide a dramatic contrast to their bodies. These visual traits, together with their loud, distinctive vocalizations, aid in species recognition in dense forest environments.

Pygathrax species are diurnal and strictly arboreal, living in social groups that typically include both sexes and multiple offspring. Their diet is primarily leaves, supplemented by fruit, seeds, and flowers. Reproduction is seasonally influenced and involves extended parental care, with infants dependent on mothers for extended periods.

Conservation status is of concern for all three species. Habitat loss, fragmentation, and hunting for bushmeat and the illegal pet trade have reduced populations, confining many groups to protected areas or small, isolated remnants. Numerous conservation programs focus on habitat restoration, anti-poaching efforts, and community-based protection to stabilize these distinctive, vulnerable primates.