François langur
Trachypithecus françoisi
François langurs are Old World monkeys, a term which describes monkeys from Africa and Asia. These primates sleep in the trees but sleep in caves and crevices.
These distinctive primates have black fur with white streaks of hair running from their mouths to their ears. They also have a tuft of hair on top of their head. However, infants are born with orange fur which gradually changes to adult colouration as they mature.
The body length can be up to 70 centimetres (cm) and the tail can measure up to 90cm. Langurs can weigh up to eight kilograms.
Belfast Zoo’s François langurs can be found in the monkey house, where they share their home with a number of other unusual primate species. The studbook for this primate species is held at Belfast Zoo and managed by zoo curator, Andrew Hope.
In March 2016 Xiwang (meaning ‘hope’ in Chinese), was born to parents AJ and Nicolene and in November 2017, mum, Nicoleen and dad, AJ celebrated the birth of Huaidan, which means ‘rascal’ in Chinese, thanks to his cheeky temperament.
IUCN Status
The IUCN status of the François langur is endangered.
For more info on classifications visit www.iucnredlist.org (link opens in new window).
Fun fact
Newborns are born with bright orange fur
Animal class
Mammal
Conservation status
François langurs are listed under Appendix II of CITES. It is believed that they are in danger of extinction in the wild.
Habitat
Rainforest
Population
François langurs are widespread, but their populations are isolated. In Vietnam, there are less than 500 langurs. In 2003, there were estimated to be 1,400 to 1,650 langurs in China.
Diet
Herbivore. François langurs have special chambered stomachs to help them digest tough leaves. They also eat fruit and flowers.