The Dusky Leaf Monkey, also known as the Spectacled Langur (Trachypithecus obscurus), is one of Langkawi’s resident primates and a favorite sight among nature lovers. This elegant monkey is easily recognized by its dark grey fur, distinctive white rings around its eyes that resemble spectacles, a furry crest on its head, a white patch around the mouth, and a creamy white underside.
Newborn langurs are born with striking bright orange or yellow fur. Over the course of about six months, their coat gradually changes to the dark grey coloration of adult langurs. This vivid infant coloration is believed to serve as a survival adaptation, as many predators are color-blind and cannot easily distinguish between orange and green. The bright color also helps mother langurs easily spot and monitor their babies among dense foliage.
Dusky Leaf Monkeys are diurnal and arboreal, meaning they are active during the day and spend most of their lives high in the forest canopy. They move gracefully through the trees in small social groups, feeding mainly on leaves, fruits, and flowers, and are commonly seen along forest edges, mangroves, and nature trails throughout Langkawi.