Javan surili facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Javan surili |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Presbytis
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| Species: |
comata
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| Javan surili range | |
The Javan surili (Presbytis comata) is a special type of Old World monkey. It lives only on the western half of Java, Indonesia. This area is known for having many different kinds of plants and animals. The Javan surili is a vulnerable species, which means it needs our help to survive. People also call it the gray surili, grizzled langur, or Javan leaf monkey.
There are two main types, or subspecies, of the Javan surili:
- Presbytis comata comata - This one lives in western Java.
- Presbytis comata fredericae - This one is found in central Java.
About the Javan Surili
The Javan surili has a unique stomach that helps it digest leaves. This is because leaves are a big part of its diet. It has a small, thin face and tail, but a round belly. Its fur can be dark gray or even white. These monkeys are usually active during the day. They spend a lot of time, sometimes up to five hours, grooming themselves.
Where They Live
The Javan surili makes its home in the western part of Java, Indonesia. You can find them as far east as a mountain called Mt. Lawu. Scientists believe these monkeys mostly live in this area because of how the land changed a long time ago. They also like the specific types of plants and soil found there today. Javan surilis live in both untouched and regrowing rainforests. They can be found from lowlands all the way up to mountains 2,500 meters high.
What They Eat
Javan surilis mostly eat leaves. They are very good at digesting them! But they also enjoy munching on flowers, fruits, and seeds. More than 62% of their diet is made up of young leaves. About 6% comes from older, tougher leaves. This makes them more focused on eating leaves than other monkeys in their group.
Why They Need Our Help
The Javan surili is currently on the IUCN Red List of vulnerable species. This means they are at risk of disappearing forever. The main reason is that their homes are being destroyed by human activities. It's sad to know that fewer than 1,000 Javan surilis are left in the wild today. Only about 4% of their original forest home remains.
Most of their habitat has been lost because rainforests in Indonesia are being cleared. The number of Javan surilis has dropped by at least half in just the last ten years. The fredericae subspecies is especially rare and in danger. It lives in a very crowded part of Java, near an active volcano. Protecting these amazing monkeys and their homes is very important!
