Spot a silvered langur in the wild: Sarawak offers rare primate encounters in four national parks

Silvered langurs are fully protected under Sarawak law and listed as 'Vulnerable' on the IUCN Red List. Photo: Sarawak Forestry Corporation/Facebook
Advertisement

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, June 26: Sarawak’s elusive silvered langur, a fully protected and vulnerable primate species, can be spotted in its natural habitat across four national parks in the State, offering wildlife lovers a rare and enriching encounter, according to Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC).

In a Facebook post yesterday (June 25), SFC revealed that these silver-grey primates, known for their shy behaviour and unique appearance, are found in Kuching Wetlands National Park, Rajang Mangroves National Park, Maludam National Park, and Bako National Park.

Advertisement
Silvered langurs can be found in four key national parks across Sarawak’s coastal mangroves. Photo: Sarawak Forestry Corporation/Facebook

“Don’t miss the chance to witness the beauty of silvered langurs in their natural habitat,” SFC said, encouraging visitors to stay alert while trekking through mangrove swamps or riverine forests.

“You might just catch a silvered langur watching you from the treetops.”

Classified as ‘Vulnerable’ on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List and fully protected under the Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1998, silvered langurs play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem balance through their florivorous diet.

These primates typically inhabit mangrove and riparian forests and feed mainly on leaves, fruits, seeds, flowers, and young shoots.

Florivores at heart, silvered langurs feast mostly on leaves, fruits, seeds, and flowers. Photo: Sarawak Forestry Corporation/Facebook

One fascinating trait is the bright orange fur of newborn silvered langurs, which gradually changes to silver-grey within three months — a transformation that often captivates lucky observers.

SFC underscored the importance of preserving the species’ natural habitat, stressing that public awareness and conservation efforts are key to safeguarding Sarawak’s biodiversity.

“Protecting the silvered langur’s habitat means protecting the balance of our forests.

“Every small action by the public can make a big difference for the future of this species,” it said. — DayakDaily

Advertisement