Why in News?

• A recent study published in the Journal of Threatened Taxa has found that differing elevations of habitation make one group of Himalayan Gray Langur prefer fruits and another group like flowers.

 Himalayan Gray Langur:

• The Himalayan Gray Langur or the Chamba Sacred Langur, scientifically known as Semnopithecus ajax is a species of colobine (leaf-eating monkeys).
• Before 2001, Semnopithecus entellus (Hanuman Langur) was considered only one species, with several subspecies. In 2001, these subspecies were separated as species under the genus Semnopithecus. 
• Accordingly, seven different species have been recognised which include Semnopithecus ajax.
• The Himalayan Gray Langurs are widely distributed in the Indian subcontinent across Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and other parts of Pakistan and Nepal.
• The distinguishing feature of the Himalayan Grey Langur is the adult male’s shoulder mane.
• The Himalayan Grey Langurs are seen in a particular area only during some parts of the year as they change their locality during different seasons, depending upon the availability of food and environmental conditions.
• IUCN Status: Endangered
• Wildlife Protection Act, 1972:  Schedule II