Trachypithecus

Trachypithecus is a genus of Old World monkeys in the subfamily Colobinae, commonly referred to as leaf monkeys or langurs. The genus comprises a diverse group of arboreal primates distributed from northern and central China through Southeast Asia to parts of the Indian subcontinent. They inhabit tropical and subtropical forests, often favoring high canopies and limestone karst landscapes, but several species also occur in mangroves and secondary forests.

Members of Trachypithecus are characterized by the typical colobine dentition, including complex, multi-compartment stomachs that aid in fermenting foliage, and a bilophodont molar pattern. They typically have slender bodies, long tails, and variable facial coloration among species. Social organization is usually multimale–multifemale, with groups ranging from a handful to dozens of individuals; some species form smaller, paired or kin-based groups in certain habitats. Diet is primarily foliage, but fruit, seeds, and flowers supplement intake at times.

Taxonomically, Trachypithecus was separated from other langur groups to reflect distinct evolutionary lineages within Colobinae. The genus contains several widely recognized species, with some taxa adapted to limestone karst environments or particular forest types. Conservation status varies by species, and many Trachypithecus populations are threatened by habitat loss, fragmentation, and hunting. Conservation actions focus on habitat protection, anti-poaching measures, and, in some cases, captive breeding or reintroduction programs.