Phayre’s Leaf Monkey

Recently, it was reported that rapid habitat destruction is forcing the arboreal Phayre’s leaf monkey to alter its natural behavioural patterns. This development raises concerns about the long-term survival of the species.

About Phayre’s Leaf Monkey

The Phayre’s leaf monkey (Trachypithecus phayrei) is a species of Old World monkey. It is both diurnal (active during the day) and arboreal (tree-dwelling) in nature.

It is locally known as:

• Chasma bandor in Bengali, and

• Chasma-chakuwa bandar in Assamese.

Physical Appearance

The monkey is easily recognizable due to its distinctive features. It has white coloration around the ventral region, mouth, and eye area.

The most striking feature is the presence of broad, ring-shaped white patches around the eyes, which resemble spectacles. This gives the species its characteristic “spectacled” appearance.

Habitat and Distribution

Phayre’s leaf monkey inhabits tropical, deciduous, and evergreen forests. It is also found in bamboo clusters and rubber plantations, especially where natural forests have been modified.

In terms of distribution, the species is found in:

• North-East India (mainly Tripura, Assam, and Mizoram),

• Eastern Bangladesh, and

• Western Myanmar.

Diet and Ecological Role

The species primarily feeds on young leaves, shoots, and flowers, and occasionally consumes fruits and seeds.

It possesses a specialised multi-chambered stomach, which enables it to efficiently digest fibrous leaves. This adaptation plays an important ecological role by contributing to:

• Nutrient cycling, and

• Seed dispersal within forest ecosystems.

Behavioural Characteristics

Phayre’s leaf monkeys are generally shy and sensitive to disturbances. When threatened, they usually flee rather than confront danger.

They spend over 75% of their time feeding in the treetops, reflecting their highly arboreal lifestyle. However, habitat destruction is increasingly forcing them to descend to the ground, altering their natural behaviour.

Threats

The major threats to the species include:

• Habitat loss due to deforestation,

• Forest fragmentation, and

• Hunting.

Rapid development activities and agricultural expansion have significantly reduced their natural habitat.

Conservation Status

• IUCN Red List: Endangered

• CITES: Appendix II

The Endangered status highlights the urgent need for habitat conservation, strict enforcement against hunting, and sustainable land-use planning.

Conclusion

The Phayre’s leaf monkey is an ecologically significant and culturally recognized primate of Northeast India and neighbouring regions. The recent findings regarding habitat destruction underscore the importance of forest conservation, habitat connectivity, and community-based protection efforts to ensure the survival of this endangered species.