This rather aggressive looking primate is a Langur Monkey.
They are relatives of the Vervet monkeys that are found in Africa.
Although they are larger and with longer tails.
They are part of what is known as the New World monkey species.
They have a face that looks like a shrunken head
from the jungles of South America.
The males can weigh up to 18kg’s,
while the females are usually around 11kg’s.
We found them in large numbers
throughout the parks that we visited.
Although mainly terrestrial and are usually found on the open plains,
lightly wooded areas or even urban situations.
That being said, they have been discovered at 4000m in the Himalayas!
Once this male had started grooming, the female would not let him stop.
Each time he tried she would take his hand and return it to her back.
He seemed to be distracted by other females,
but this one was having none of that.
I have to admit their youngsters were cuteness personified!
The females are very protective of their young.
Like many of the primate species,
the males are involved in the care of their offspring peripherally.
What is NOT to love about a face like this.
It was difficult to tear ourselves away from these sightings
as they were so entertaining…
But first prize was finding tigers.
A trio of females with youngsters.
Trying to keep them under control was much like
attempting to put an octopus in a bucket.
One tentacle in and seven out…
then two in and five out, etc.
These babies had to be hauled back on numerous occasions.
But eventually calm was restored and discipline prevailed.
“My what a big tail you have”…
Ready to head into the trees at a moments notice.
Even thought it might not seem like it,
their tails are never longer than their bodies.
The tail is carried in either this inverted “U” position,
or an “S”.
When there are tigers in the vicinity,
the alarm call of the monkeys is the first notification
that danger lurks.
I was told that monkeys do not form part of a regular tiger diet,
but they are not averse to catching and eating them…
if the opportunity presents itself.
“Run in the forest run”…
Langurs can be found on the ground looking for food,
but they are constantly on the alert for danger.
They usually run/walk on all fours,
but they have been know to walk upright on their rear legs.
We all have days where we feel like this!
Not certain if we should scratch or heads or our bums.
Our naturalist/ guide for the duration of our stay
at Tuli Tiger Corridor, Omveer Choudhary.
In the background, our driver, Raja.
This is where we stayed while we were visiting Pench National Park
They offer two types of accommodation.
Either luxury tents or
chalet type accommodation
(which was the option that we chose)
Our trip itinerary was superbly handled by this travel company.
Ans specifically by Mr Aman, their Senior Travel Advisor
I would highly recommend that you contact them,
should you be considering a trip to India.
For more information on what they offer,
visit their website:
www.cisp.co.za
www.sablogawards.com
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