Dusky Langur
(Spectacled Langur)
Sounds

Dusky Langur (Trachypithecus obscurus)

Female Dusky Langur (Trachypithecus obscurus) with infant

The Dusky Langur (Trachypithecus obscurus) is a large, handsome species of primate found in Malaysia, Thailand and Myanmar. This species is (confusingly!) known by a number of other common names including Spectacled Langur, Spectacled Leaf Monkey and Dusky Leaf Monkey. They are a species of ‘lutung’, part of a group of Old World monkeys of the genus Trachypithecus.

What does a Dusky Langur sound like? Generally quieter than other primates they share their range with such as gibbons and macaques, langurs often spend much of the day quietly browsing foliage in the mid-storey of lowland and hill rainforests. They make a variety of vocalizations including soft grunts and hoots and much louder guttural snorts, barks and alarm calls. Often the best indicator of their their presence is the loud crashing sounds of branches as they leap from one tree to another.

This species is classified as ‘Endangered’ on the IUCN Red List due to its decreasing populations and vulnerability to habitat loss and hunting.

Listen to Dusky Leaf Monkey Sounds

The audio in the video below features the typical grunting barks of a Dusky Langur. Recorded at night in Taman Negara National Park, Malaysia. 

z

Dusky Langur – Typical nasal grunts


 SD13 This first sample features the typical nasal grunting calls. Recorded in Ulu Muda, Malaysia.

z

Dusky Langur – Hooting calls


XC172224 These hooting calls are often heard at first light as groups start to become active. Recorded in Kaeng Krachan Natioanl Park, Thailand.