I feel like it has been quite awhile since we have had the chance to study a monkey. So, I thought we could all take a trip to Southeast Asia to learn about an Old World Monkey called the Red-Shanked Douc. Like a lot of the animals that have made an appearance on Wild Facts, the Red-Shanked Douc is considered to be Endangered as a result of habitat loss and poaching. Apparently, people illegally hunt these primates for their meat or to keep as pets. I am sure they make beautiful pets, but I don’t think I could handle having a monkey roaming around my apartment.

Trick Or Treat

The Red-Shanked Douc is also known as the Costume Ape, which is fitting since they are one of the most colourful primates out there. If you look at the picture you will see that this monkey is wearing reddish stockings stretching from their ankles to their knees. To make an even bolder fashion statement they also appear to be wearing white forearm high gloves. Their black hands and feet top off this highly fashionable outfit. I am pretty sure you will be seeing this ensemble on the fashion runway soon.

One Big Family

Like other monkey’s the Red-Shanked Douc is a social animal and generally lives in groups consisting of 4 to 15 individuals, however, some groups have been known to get as large as 50. Each group usually consist of one or more males with approximately two females per male so once again, you have to like the monkey’s chances for finding a girlfriend. Usually both females and males will leave the group they were born into, which helps spread their genetic code to other parts of the forest. When on the move, the Red-Shanked Douc, has an order that they must keep. Typically, dominant males will be up front, the juvenile males will be in the rear while the females and young are nestled in the middle. Obviously this is a defensive strategy to protect the females and the children.

High in the Trees

If you are hoping to catch a glimpse of these colourful primates then you had better be prepared to strain your neck. The Costume Ape is active during the day, however, all of their activities such as sleeping and eating take place high above the ground in the canopy of the trees. Although these arboreal creatures don’t have a prehensile tail, which is normal for Old World Monkey’s, they are still quite adept at living a life in the trees.

That does it for our Wednesday Wild Fact. I hope you enjoyed learning about the Red-Shanked Douc.