Pig Tailed Langur

The Pig-Tailed Langur
Critically endangered
Pop. Trend - decreasing

Description

• The Pig-tailed Langur is a small primate that is native only to the Mentawai Islands off the coast of Indonesia. They have an average weight of about 17 pounds and are typically just short of 2 feet long, with a short hairless tail. The Pig-Tailed Langur is a blackish brown color with a black face and a snub nose.

Cause of Decline

• In the past decade the Pig-Tailed Langur has suffered a nearly 90% population decline all due to human causes. The logging industry has stripped away much of their natural habitat which is causing them to be more easily hunted, which is the second main cause of their population decline. Humans are the only Pig-Tailed Langur's only predator. There is also speculation that climate change due to CO2 emissions is causing their population to decline, because they often dwell on mountain sides.  

Role in the Ecosystem 

• The main beneficial impact the Pig-Tailed Langur has on its ecosystem is that it spreads the seeds of many tropical fruit trees.

What is being done?

• The Pig-Tailed Langur is listed in CITES and is protected under Indonesian law, but that does not stop hunters from illegally hunting these primates. The Siberut National park is where they are most abundant and it lacks enforcement which is why they continue to be hunted. They are also cooperating with logging companies to work out a plan towards a more sustainable logging technique. 

What Can you do?

• Since they live in a very remote area there is not much you can do directly to help the population, but you can help reduce CO2 emissions which is a potential cause for their decline. Also, of course you can donate to the WWF to help the cause.