Monkey vs langur: How to spot the difference

When encountering primates in residential areas, parks or forests, it's easy to mistake all animals for monkeys. However, macaques and langurs have distinct differences. Dr. Vinod Sharma, a veterinary expert, explains that macaques are smaller and stockier with a pinkish or brown face and a short tail. In contrast, langurs are taller, slimmer, with black faces, long limbs, and a long tail, typically grey or pale in color.

Their diets also vary; macaques are opportunistic eaters, consuming fruits, seeds, insects, crops, and sometimes human food, while langurs primarily feed on leaves, shoots, flowers, fruits, and grass. Behaviorally, macaques are more bold and can become aggressive when competing for food or handouts, while langurs are generally more cautious, often staying in trees or avoiding crowded areas.

Macaques frequently enter human settlements for food, whereas langurs do so less often. If you encounter one, Dr. Sharma advises staying calm, maintaining a safe distance, and not feeding, chasing, or touching the animal. If an animal enters a building, leaving doors open can help it exit on its own, and contacting local wildlife authorities is recommended if needed.

In case of a bite or scratch, wash the wound thoroughly and seek immediate medical attention for rabies assessment and tetanus prevention.