1. Profile (Picture)
2. Tidbits
3. Status and Trends (IUCN Status, Countries Where
Currently Found, Population Estimates, History of Distribution, Threats and Reasons
for Decline)
4. Data on Biology and Ecology (Weight, Habitat, Maximum Age, Diet,
Behavior, Social Organization, Density and Range)
5. References
Pictures: Francois' Leaf Monkey #1 (28 Kb JPEG) (Univ. Wash.); Francois' Leaf Monkey #2 (50 Kb JPEG) (Honolulu Zoo)
Francois' leaf monkey weighs 6 - 9 kg (13 - 20 lb). It is found in tropical monsoon
forest and well-sheltered rocky areas in limestone hills and caves. Its diet is comprised
mostly of leaves and some flowers and fruits. One male leads a family group of 3 - 12
individuals, including 4 - 6 females and several young. Family groups sleep outside in
mild weather and in caves during cold winters. Members of the genus Trachypithecus spend most of their time in
the trees, although animals will travel on the ground between food trees, despite the
increased risk of predation (Davies &
Oates 1994).
Francois' leaf monkey has been reported from southeastern China (Guangxi and Guizhou Provinces), central Laos east of the Mekong River, and northern Vietnam. It has declined because of habitat loss, due
to expansion of agriculture, fuelwood harvesting, warfare and logging; and because of
hunting for food and Oriental medicine.
*** The unusual nature of the stomach of leaf monkeys and related species probably has a profound influence on their ecology. The stomach is large and multi-chambered, and the forestomach supports bacteria with cellulose-digesting abilities. These monkeys are enabled by their stomach to digest plant fibers, and many include large quantities of foliage in their diet. (Davies & Oates 1994)
2004: Occurs in China, Laos and Vietnam (IUCN 2004).
[Note: Figures given are for wild populations only.]
Francois' leaf monkey has been reported from southeastern China (Guangxi and Guizhou Provinces), central Laos east of the Mekong River, and northern Vietnam.
Francois' leaf monkey has declined because of habitat loss, due to expansion of agriculture, fuelwood harvesting, warfare and logging; and because of hunting for food and Oriental medicine.
Francois' leaf monkey weighs 6 - 9 kg (13 - 20 lb).
Francois' leaf monkey is found in tropical monsoon forest and well-sheltered rocky areas in limestone hills and caves.
Francois' leaf monkey is found in both the Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot (Cons. Intl. 2005) and the Annamite Range Moist Forests and the Northern Indochina Subtropical Moist Forests Global 200 Ecoregions. (Olson & Dinerstein 1998, Olson & Dinerstein 1999)
Up to 28 years (captivity).
Mostly leaves and some flowers and fruits.
Family groups sleep outside in mild weather and in caves during cold winters. Members of the genus Trachypithecus spend most of their time in the trees, although animals will travel on the ground between food trees, despite the increased risk of predation (Davies & Oates 1994).
One male leads a family group of 3 - 12 individuals, including 4 - 6 females and several young.
Density: 3 individuals/sq km (8 individuals/sq mi) (Trachypithecus francoisi francoisi) (Le Xuan Canh 1997)
Cons. Intl. 2005, Davies & Oates 1994, Honolulu Zoo, IUCN 1994, IUCN 1996, IUCN 2000, IUCN 2003a, IUCN 2004, Le Xuan Canh 1997, Macdonald 1984, Olson & Dinerstein 1998, Olson & Dinerstein 1999, Oryx 1984b, Univ. Wash., WCMC/WWF 1997aa
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By: Paul Massicot; Last modified: March 16, 2005; © 1999 -
2005 Animal Info
