Biodiv Sci ›› 2026, Vol. 34 ›› Issue (3): 25446.  DOI: 10.17520/biods.2025446  cstr: 32101.14.biods.2025446

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Research history and conservation progress of leaf monkeys in China

Penglai Fan1,2,3(), Wei Yao1,2,3, Chengming Huang4,*()(), Qihai Zhou1,2,3,*()()   

  1. 1 Key Laboratory of Ecology of Rare and Endangered Species and Environmental Protection (Guangxi Normal University), Ministry of Education, Guilin, Guangxi 541006, China
    2 Chongzuo White-headed Langur Field Observation and Research Station, Guangxi Normal University, Chongzuo, Guangxi 532204, China
    3 Guangxi Key Laboratory of Rare and Endangered Animal Ecology, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, Guangxi 541006, China
    4 School of Ecology, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
  • Received:2025-11-07 Accepted:2026-02-05 Online:2026-03-20 Published:2026-04-09
  • Contact: *E-mail: zhouqh@mailbox.gxnu.edu.cn; cmhuang@ioz.ac.cn
  • Supported by:
    Key Project of Guangxi Natural Science Foundation of China(2022GXNSFDA08004);National Natural Science Foundation of China(32470497);National Natural Science Foundation of China(32270504);National Natural Science Foundation of China(32170492)

Abstract:

Background & AimIn China, leaf monkeys are distributed across Yunnan, Xizang, Guangxi, Guizhou, and Chongqing. They comprise two genera (Semnopithecusand Trachypithecus) and seven species. Leaf monkeys have garnered significant attention from Chinese primatologists due to their distinctive morphological and digestive system characteristics, evolutionary status, and crucial role in maintaining the stability of ecosystem. All of these species are classified as National Class I Key Protected Wild Animals in China. To date, considerable research has been conducted on the white-headed langur (T. leucocephalus), François’ langur (T. francoisi), and Indochinese gray langur (T. crepusculus), while studies on the other species remain relatively scarce. This study focuses on Chinese leaf monkeys, systematically reviewing relevant research and proposing future research directions and trends.

Review Results Through in-depth analysis, we reviewed the research history and advances on Chinese leaf monkeys across several key areas including taxonomy, anatomical characteristics, ecology and behavior, genetics and evolution, population distribution and dynamics, and conservation management. Based on the review, we proposed to conduct multi-dimensional and interdisciplinary researches on behavior and ecology, such as acoustic communication and nutritional ecology. More attention should be paid on the role of leaf monkeys in seed dispersal and maintaining the dynamic balance of forests, exploring the synergy between leaf monkey conservation and community development, and understanding the social service function of endangered species conservation. In the face of the difficulties in field surveys, new technologies (such as unmanned aerial vehicles equipped with infrared thermal imaging and passive acoustic technology) assisted by artificial intelligence could provide a new method for the population monitoring of leaf monkeys.

ProspectsThis study aims to promote the advancement and refinement of research and conservation efforts for leaf monkeys in China, thereby providing fundamental information for the protection of the country’s rare and endangered wildlife.

Key words: non-human primate, leaf monkey, behavioral ecology, conservation biology, research history