Presbytis Potenziani

The primate of the family Cercopithecidae and the subfamily Colobinae is known as the local name Joja or the Mentawai Lutung. In addition, there are also those who call it Mentawai Leaf Monkey, Golden-bellied Mentawai Island Langur, or Long-tailed Langur. As the name implies, this langur is an endemic primate in the Mentawai Islands. Presbytis potenziani consists of two subspecies, namely P. potenziani potenziani found on the island of Sipora, North Pagai and South Pagai, and P. potenziani siberu found on the island of Siberut.

As with the genus Presbytis in general, Mentawai Lutung is diurnal or active during the day, arboreal (mainly occupying the middle and upper canopy areas) and has a quadrupedal locomotion system, dependent and jumping. The main feed is leaves (55%) although these animals are also known to consume fruit, seeds and flowers. The animals of the Presbytis genus are generally polygamous, but Presbytis potenziani is very unique because it is known to have a monogamous mating system in the group. Although female single-male groups have also been reported in animals of this species, the monogamous properties found in Potenziani Presbytis remain an interesting phenomenon because they are very rare in monkeys of this family.

According to the IUCN Redlist 2016, Mentawai Lutung is Endangered because its population continues to decline, even estimated to reach a 50% decline over the past 40 years due to habitat destruction and hunting activities. Based on CITES, this animal belongs to the category of Appendix I.

Referensi:

Sterck E.H.M. 2012. The Behavioral Ecology of Colobine Monkeys dalam The Evolution of Primate Societies. Mitani, J.C. Call J., et al (Ed). The University of Chicago Press, Chicago. p73-75.

Supriatna, J. & Ramadhan, R. 2016. Pariwisata Primata Indonesia. Yayasan Pustaka Obor Indonesia, Jakarta. p120-124.

Whittaker, D. & Mittermeier, R.A. 2008. Presbytis potenziani. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2008: e.T18130A7667072. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2008.RLTS.T18130A7667072.en. Downloaded on 27 December 2016.