The J avan
Surili (Presbytis comata) is an endangered species of Old World monkey
endemic to the western half of Java, Indonesia, a biodiversity hotspot.
Other common names by which it is known by include Gray, Grizzled or
Sunda Island Surili; Grizzled or Stripe-crested Langur; Javan Grizzled
Langur; Grizzled, Java or Javan Leaf Monkey; Langur Gris.There are
two subspecies of the Javan Surili:
* Presbytis comata comata - Occurs in western Java
* Presbytis comata fredericae - Occurs in central Java
This colobine species has a sacculated stomach to assist the
breakdown in the cellulose from the leaves it feeds on. It has a small,
slender face and tail, and large round stomachs. Its coloring ranges
from dark gray to white. Leaf monkeys tend to be active during the day,
spending up to 5 hours grooming themselves.
The Javan Surili is found in the western half of Java, Indonesia. It
ranges as far east as Mt. Lawu on the border with East Java. According
to a recent study, this species is mostly confined to Sundaland due to
changes in the geography, sea level and vegetation that occurred during
the Pleistocene era, and partly due to the type of vegetation and soil
there today.The Javan Surili lives in primary and secondary lowland
rainforests, with an altitudnal range of 2500 meters.
Ecology
The Javan Surili mostly consumes leaves, however, it will also
consume flowers, fruits, and seeds.This species appears to be more
folivorous than any other member of the Presbytis genus, with over 62%
of its overall diet composed of young leaves and 6% of mature leaves.
Conservation
This species is currently listed on the IUCN red list of endangered
species because of habitat loss due to human activity. It is estimated
that fewer than 1,000 exist today in their natural habitat and only 4%
of their natural habitat remains. Most of the loss of its original
habitat is due to the clearing of the rainforests in Indonesia. Only 4%
of its original habitat remains and the population has decreased by at
least 50% in the last ten years. Of the two subspecies of P. comata, the
frediricae subspecies is among the rarest and most at risk for
extinction, located in one of the most highly populated areas on the
island and near an active volcano. |
