Silvered Langur (Presbytis cristata)

Monkeys in Borneo are represented by two distinct groups: the langurs or leaf monkeys and the Proboscis Monkeys (subfamily Colobinae), and the macaques (subfamily Cercopithecinae). The colobines are mainly arboreal, have a long tail, lack cheek pouches and have a large, sacculated stomach which permits breakdown of leafy material into digestible substances and helps detoxify poisonous leaves. The macaques are partly terrestrial, with a short or long tail, cheek pouches for temporary storage of food and a simple stomach capable of breaking down only a limited amount of leafy material.

Measurements: HB 415-540, 600-760, HF 145-174, Wt 4.0-6.5 kg (4 specimens).

Identification: Entirely dark, metallic grey. Face dark grey or black. Appears totally black under some field conditions. Infants are bright orange. A reddish-coloured form of the adults has been recorded from the mouth of S. Kinabatangan in eastern Sabah, where groups may contain both grey and red forms.

Similar species: the Banded and Grey Langurs, P. melalophos and P. hosei, have some white on the body and black bands across the cheeks.

Ecology and Habitat: Diurnal and generally arboreal. Diet includes leaves, shoots and fruits. Average group size at Samunsam in Sarawak about 5 or 6. Occurs in many kinds of coastal, riverine and swamp forests, both tall and secondary. Also reported from inland hill forest in Sarawak, although normally only other langur species occur in non-coastal, non-riverine habitats.

Distribution: Borneo - P.c. ultima. Recorded from coastal areas around most of the island, and also along the banks of rivers far inland. One record at 900 m on G. Dulit in Sarawak.