Monkey Species · Indian subcontinent
Hanuman Langur
The Hanuman or grey langur (genus Semnopithecus) is a long-tailed, leaf-eating Old World monkey of the Indian subcontinent, revered in Hinduism.
By the WARN Research & Conservation TeamChecked against IUCN Red List & CITES sourcesLast updated
In brief
The Hanuman or grey langur (genus Semnopithecus) is a long-tailed, leaf-eating Old World monkey of the Indian subcontinent, revered in Hinduism. Adaptable and often living alongside people, the common species are listed Least Concern by the IUCN.
Hanuman Langur: At a Glance
| Origin | Indian subcontinent |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium (11–18 kg) |
| Typical weight | 11–18 kg; long tail exceeding body length |
| Lifespan | 18–30 years (wild) |
| Coat & markings | Grey-buff body with a black face, hands and feet; very long tail |
| Temperament | Agile, leaf-eating, semi-terrestrial |
| Conservation note | Common species Least Concern (IUCN); CITES Appendix I/II depending on species — culturally protected but exposed to urban hazards |
History & Origins
Grey langurs are sacred to many Hindus as the deity Hanuman, so they are often tolerated around temples and towns across India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. They are folivores with complex stomachs that ferment leaves, leaping powerfully between trees. Tolerance protects them, but urban troops face traffic, electrocution and feeding-related problems.
Hanuman Langur Fun Facts
- Hanuman langurs are revered in Hinduism and often live around temples.
- They are folivores, with a chambered stomach to digest leaves.
- Their tail is longer than their head and body combined.
- They can leap several metres between branches.
Hanuman Langur Common Health Issues
Conditions seen more often in this breed, and how owners and vets help manage them. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice — always speak to your vet.
Human food dependency
Troops fed by tourists or raiding bins become aggressive, unhealthy and prone to disease and conflict.
Care: Never feed wild monkeys; support secure-waste and education programmes that reduce dependency.
Road mortality
Roads cutting through habitat cause frequent vehicle strikes as monkeys cross between forest fragments.
Care: Support canopy bridges, warning signage and speed measures in wildlife corridors.
Habitat loss (wild)
Deforestation for agriculture, logging and development removes the food trees and connected canopy that wild monkeys depend on.
Care: Support habitat protection and deforestation-free supply chains in range countries rather than wildlife tourism that disturbs troops.
Monkeys belong in the wild
Monkeys are intelligent, social primates — not pets. The illegal pet trade and habitat loss threaten species from marmosets to macaques. WARN funds anti-trafficking and habitat work for primates in our partner countries.
