Douc  (Pygathrix nemaeus)

Biology

These monkeys are usually found in groups, ranging in size from four to five individuals to up to 50 (4). These groups may either consist of a single male with females and their young, or have a more multimale-multifemale social system (4). Females become sexually mature at around four years of age (6) and births have been observed to peak during the fruiting season between January and August (4). A single offspring is born after a roughly six-month gestation period (6); young are carried through the treetops on their mothers’ front and also by other members of the group (4).

Social bonds within these douc groups are vitally important and communication takes place through a wide variety of vocal and visual signals as well as through tactile communication in the form of social grooming (4). The douc’s diet is primarily composed of leaves, concentrating on young tender shoots, although fruit, buds and flowers are also consumed (4). These monkeys are arboreal, spending the majority of their time in the canopy of the forest (4).

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