Quick answer
IUCN status: EndangeredSumatran Surili at a glance
The Sumatran Surili (Presbytis melalophos) is a mammal in the family Cercopithecidae. In Indonesia, observation records come mainly from Jambi, West Sumatra, South Sumatra. It is endemic to Indonesia, living naturally only in Sumatra. Diet: mainly leaves (folivore), plus fruit, flowers and seeds; a herbivore. IUCN Red List status: Endangered. It is a legally protected species in Indonesia (Regulation P.106/2018).
| Scientific name | Presbytis melalophos |
|---|---|
| Indonesian name | Simpai |
| Group | Mammals |
| Family | Cercopithecidae |
| Observation records | Jambi, West Sumatra, South Sumatra |
| Linked habitats | Tropical Rainforests |
| Taxonomic group | Primates |
| GBIF records | 155 human-observation records, 2016–2026 |
| Data retrieved | 2026-09-23 |
| IUCN status | Endangered · IUCN Red List (via GBIF) · checked 1 October 2026 |
| Legal protection in Indonesia | Protected · Regulation P.106/2018 · annex no. 21 |
| Range | West-central Sumatra (type locality: Bengkulu) · Mammal Diversity Database (ASM) — Presbytis melalophos |
| Diet type | Herbivore (plant-eater) — mainly leaves (folivore), plus fruit, flowers and seeds · IUCN Red List |
| Reproduction | Giving birth to live young (viviparous) · Animal Diversity Web |
| Observance days | Indonesian Primate Day (30 January) |
| Active | Diurnal (active by day) · EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), MamFuncDat.txt |
| Endemic to Indonesia | Yes — Sumatra · IUCN Red List |
In this guide (13)
What is the Sumatran Surili?
Sumatran Surili refers to Presbytis melalophos, in the genus Presbytis, family Cercopithecidae, and order Primates. The scientific name follows the accepted taxon in the GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Common names can vary between places; the scientific name distinguishes this species from relatives.
What is known about the Sumatran Surili?
The Sumatran surili is a forest primate endemic to Sumatra, with forest loss and fragmentation reported as pressures in parts of its range.
Read that fact alongside the scientific name and species source, not as proof from an unclear photograph. Populations, ages and taxonomic limits can differ; when identification is uncertain, record the broader group.
Evidence: Species account — background reading ↗
Habitat and field observations of the Sumatran Surili
Sumatran surilis use lowland and hill rainforest, including some disturbed sites. Young leaves, unripe fruit, flowers and seeds have been recorded as food.
Evidence: GBIF species treatments — natural-history accounts ↗
How many Indonesian records name the Sumatran Surili?
When checked on 2026-09-23, the GBIF search returned 155 human-observation records from Indonesia under this species name for 2016–2026. That is a count of indexed records, not an estimate of population, abundance or unique individuals. Observation effort can vary by location, and the count may change as records are added or identifications revised.
Evidence: GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
Where were observations reported?
Place labels appearing in the results include Jambi, West Sumatra, South Sumatra. They are labels attached to records, not a complete range map or evidence that the species occurs only there. Some labels may be broad or inconsistent. Check the underlying records before using the location information for field decisions.
Evidence: GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
How can you observe the Sumatran Surili?
Watch from a distance, do not feed, and avoid sharing precise locations of vulnerable dens or resting sites. Do not try to catch or touch wild mammals. A well-documented sighting helps others check the identification without turning one encounter into a conservation-status claim.
Explore related animals
To explore this group further, compare Sumatran Surili with Javan Surili, Thomas’s Langur, Moor Macaque. These links reflect a shared genus, family, order, class or catalogue group; taxonomic proximity does not imply identical habitat needs or conservation status.
Explore related habitats
These habitat relationships are supported by species sources in this guide. This is not a complete range map.
Scientific classification of the Sumatran Surili
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Primates |
| Family | Cercopithecidae |
| Genus | Presbytis |
| Species | Presbytis melalophos |
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology (for example class Reptilia).
Common questions about the Sumatran Surili
What is the scientific name of the Sumatran Surili?
The scientific name of the Sumatran Surili is Presbytis melalophos, in the family Cercopithecidae and the order Primates. In Indonesian it is called Simpai.
What kind of animal is the Sumatran Surili?
The Sumatran Surili is a mammal in the family Cercopithecidae. By diet it is a herbivore (plant-eater): a mainly leaves (folivore), plus fruit, flowers and seeds. It is also endemic to Indonesia.
Where does the Sumatran Surili live in Indonesia?
Observation records of the Sumatran Surili summarised in this guide mainly come from Jambi, West Sumatra, South Sumatra. That list is not a complete range map.
The Sumatran Surili is endemic to Indonesia and lives naturally only in Sumatra. Source: IUCN Red List.
Source-supported habitats: Tropical Rainforests.
What does the Sumatran Surili eat?
The Sumatran Surili is a mainly leaves (folivore), plus fruit, flowers and seeds. That makes it a herbivore (plant-eater). Source: IUCN Red List.
How does the Sumatran Surili reproduce?
The Sumatran Surili reproduces by giving birth to live young (viviparous). Source: Animal Diversity Web.
Is the Sumatran Surili nocturnal?
The cited source records the Sumatran Surili as diurnal (active by day). Source: EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), MamFuncDat.txt.
See also the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia.
What is the scientific classification of the Sumatran Surili?
Scientific classification of the Sumatran Surili: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Mammalia, order Primates, family Cercopithecidae, genus Presbytis, species Presbytis melalophos.
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.
Is the Sumatran Surili endangered?
Yes. On the IUCN Red List, the Sumatran Surili is listed as Endangered: it is considered to face a very high risk of extinction in the wild. Source: IUCN Red List (via GBIF), checked 1 October 2026.
This global category is separate from national legal protection. Is the Sumatran Surili protected in Indonesia?
Is the Sumatran Surili protected in Indonesia?
Yes. The Sumatran Surili (Presbytis melalophos) is a protected species in Indonesia under Environment and Forestry Ministerial Regulation No. P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 on protected plant and animal species (annex, entry 21).
Article 21(2) of Law No. 5 of 1990, as amended by Law No. 32 of 2024, prohibits anyone from hunting, catching, injuring, killing, storing, owning, keeping, transporting or trading a protected animal, alive or dead, including its body parts, eggs and nests.
If you see this animal being traded, kept or injured, contact the local BKSDA office.
Can the Sumatran Surili be kept as a pet?
No. Because the Sumatran Surili is a protected species, catching, owning, keeping, transporting or trading it without a permit is prohibited by law. Trading without a permit through electronic media is also prohibited.
If you see this animal for sale or being kept, report it to the local BKSDA office.
Sources & references
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon ↗
- GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
- GBIF species treatments — natural-history accounts ↗
- iNaturalist — exact species taxon and community observations ↗
- Species account — background reading ↗
- Peraturan Menteri LHK Nomor P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 tentang Jenis Tumbuhan dan Satwa yang Dilindungi ↗
- Mammal Diversity Database (ASM) — Presbytis melalophos ↗
- IUCN Red List ↗
- Animal Diversity Web ↗
- EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), MamFuncDat.txt ↗
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF) ↗
- IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, version 2026-1, via GBIF (CC BY 4.0) ↗
References can change. Check dates and context in the original source. How we use sources and data →
Cite this page
Credit PanduanHewan when referring to this page. Check the original evidence sources before reusing a claim.
PanduanHewan. Sumatran Surili (Presbytis melalophos). Last substantive update: 1 October 2026. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/presbytis-melalophos/