Observe and photograph a species in its natural habitat
Learn where and when to observe a species in the wild, how to recognize it in the field, and what habitats it lives in. Get photography tips adapted to its behavior and capture stunning images without disturbing the animal. For full details, open the complete profile in the WildlifePhotographer app.
Purple-faced Langur
Scientific name: Trachypithecus vetulus

IUCN Status: Vulnerable
Family: CERCOPITHECIDAE
Group: Mammals
Shyness: Suspicious
Safe distance: 10 m
Breeding season / Courtship: N/A
Gestation: 6–7 mois
Births: N/A
Habitat:
Tropical rainforests, lowland forests, mountainous areas
Description:
The Trachypithecus vetulus, commonly known as the Purple-faced Langur, is a primate endemic to Sri Lanka. This monkey features dense fur ranging from dark brown to black, with a distinctive purple-tinged face. It primarily inhabits tropical rainforests, lowland forests, and mountainous areas. Being diurnal, it spends most of the day foraging for leaves, fruits, and flowers. Purple-faced langurs are social animals living in family groups led by a dominant male. Unfortunately, their habitat is threatened by deforestation, leading to a decline in their population. They are currently classified as vulnerable by the IUCN.
Recommended lens:
>=400mm
Photography tips:
To photograph the purple-faced langur, it is advisable to use a telephoto lens of at least 400mm to capture detailed images from a distance without disturbing the animal. The tropical forests they inhabit often provide dim lighting, so adjusting the aperture and ISO sensitivity may be necessary to achieve proper exposure. Be patient and discreet, as these primates can be suspicious. Observing their social behavior can offer unique photo opportunities.
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