Taxonomy and distribution ofPresbytis melalophos group in Sumatera, Indonesia

Taxonomy of thePresbytis melalophos group in Sumatera has been based solely on the distinction in the pelage coloration and has been a subject of controversy. In the present study, extensive field observations were undertaken. Three species, i. e.P. melalophos, P. thomasi, andP. femoralis, are recognized in Sumatera based on the cranial morphology, pelage coloration, and vocalization. Subspecies of each species are revised, a new classification is proposed, and a new subspecies,Presbytis melalophos bicolor, is described. A detailed distribution map of species and subspecies is presented. No sympatry occurs between the species. Finally, a cladistic analysis is presented for the three species, based on the cranial characters; the branching sequence is first between theP. melalophos clade and theP. femoralis- P. thomasi clade and second between theP. femoralis clade and theP. thomasi clade.