Flora and Fauna

Grey Langur

The grey langur monkey (Semnopithecus schistaceus) is the most common monkey in all of South Asia, and while scientists once believed there to be only one species of langur, they have since identified seven unique types of langur in South Asia. The Nepali langurs are larger than their cousins to the south, and males can weigh up to 15kg. They are distinct in appearance with white-grey coats and have black faces and hands.

Cultural depictions

All langurs were once referred to as “Hanuman langurs” because of Hindu monkey god’s devotion to lord Ram. Hindus believe the monkey’s hand and face were made black from the ash of a giant fire that was started by Hanuman when he tried to rescue princess Sita from a demon. For this reason they are sacred in the Hindu religion and often enjoy offerings from religious ceremonies. At higher altitudes many scientists argue that they are what people mistake for the mythical Yeti.

Diet

Langurs are seasonal eaters and eat mainly buds, flowers, fruits and leaves. The langur monkeys are sometimes referred to as “leaf monkeys” because of their reliance on leafy arboreal forests for sustenance. Their diet is also strychnine-rich and therefore harmful. In order to prevent harm they self-medicate themselves by eating the gum of Sterculia urens, which contains a laxative that is proscribed by doctors in the UK (called Normacol).