Quick answer
IUCN status: VulnerableJavan Lutung at a glance
The Javan Lutung (Trachypithecus auratus) is a mammal in the family Cercopithecidae. In Indonesia, observation records come mainly from West Java, East Java, Bali. It is endemic to Indonesia, living naturally only in Java and Bali. Diet: mainly leaves (folivore), plus flowers and fruit; a herbivore. IUCN Red List status: Vulnerable. It is a legally protected species in Indonesia (Regulation P.106/2018).
| Scientific name | Trachypithecus auratus |
|---|---|
| Indonesian name | Lutung Budeng |
| Group | Mammals |
| Family | Cercopithecidae |
| Observation records | West Java, East Java, Bali |
| Linked habitats | Tropical Rainforests, Mangroves |
| Taxonomic group | Primates |
| GBIF records | 445 human-observation records, 2016–2026 |
| Data retrieved | 2026-09-23 |
| IUCN status | Vulnerable · IUCN Red List (via GBIF) · checked 1 October 2026 |
| Legal protection in Indonesia | Protected · Regulation P.106/2018 · annex no. 27 |
| Diet type | Herbivore (plant-eater) — mainly leaves (folivore), plus flowers and fruit · 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 — Java and Bali · IUCN Red List |
In this guide (14)
Important taxonomic note
The Mammal Diversity Database now treats the lutungs of western Java as a separate species, the West Javan langur (Trachypithecus mauritius); T. auratus is the East Javan langur. The IUCN Red List also assesses T. mauritius separately. Some West Java records labelled T. auratus may therefore refer to that species.
Evidence: Mammal Diversity Database — Trachypithecus mauritius ↗
What is the Javan Lutung?
Javan Lutung refers to Trachypithecus auratus, in the genus Trachypithecus, 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 Javan Lutung?
Javan lutungs are usually glossy dark as adults, while young may be orange; age-related colour should not be mistaken for another species.
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 Javan Lutung
Javan lutungs are reported from primary and secondary forest, including coastal and mangrove sites. Young leaves are important food alongside fruit and flowers; the mix varies by habitat.
Evidence: GBIF species treatments — natural-history accounts ↗
How many Indonesian records name the Javan Lutung?
When checked on 2026-09-23, the GBIF search returned 445 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 West Java, East Java, Bali. 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 Javan Lutung?
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 Javan Lutung with Silvered Leaf Monkey, Thomas’s Langur, Southern Pig-tailed 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 Javan Lutung
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Primates |
| Family | Cercopithecidae |
| Genus | Trachypithecus |
| Species | Trachypithecus auratus |
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology (for example class Reptilia).
Common questions about the Javan Lutung
What is the scientific name of the Javan Lutung?
The scientific name of the Javan Lutung is Trachypithecus auratus, in the family Cercopithecidae and the order Primates. In Indonesian it is called Lutung Budeng.
What kind of animal is the Javan Lutung?
The Javan Lutung is a mammal in the family Cercopithecidae. By diet it is a herbivore (plant-eater): a mainly leaves (folivore), plus flowers and fruit. It is also endemic to Indonesia.
Where does the Javan Lutung live in Indonesia?
Observation records of the Javan Lutung summarised in this guide mainly come from West Java, East Java, Bali. That list is not a complete range map.
The Javan Lutung is endemic to Indonesia and lives naturally only in Java and Bali. Source: IUCN Red List.
Source-supported habitats: Tropical Rainforests, Mangroves.
What does the Javan Lutung eat?
The Javan Lutung is a mainly leaves (folivore), plus flowers and fruit. That makes it a herbivore (plant-eater). Source: IUCN Red List.
How does the Javan Lutung reproduce?
The Javan Lutung reproduces by giving birth to live young (viviparous). Source: Animal Diversity Web.
Is the Javan Lutung nocturnal?
The cited source records the Javan Lutung 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 Javan Lutung?
Scientific classification of the Javan Lutung: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Mammalia, order Primates, family Cercopithecidae, genus Trachypithecus, species Trachypithecus auratus.
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.
Is the Javan Lutung endangered?
Yes. On the IUCN Red List, the Javan Lutung is listed as Vulnerable: it is considered to face a 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 Javan Lutung protected in Indonesia?
Is the Javan Lutung protected in Indonesia?
Yes. The Javan Lutung (Trachypithecus auratus) 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 27).
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 Javan Lutung be kept as a pet?
No. Because the Javan Lutung 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 ↗
- Mammal Diversity Database — Trachypithecus mauritius ↗
- 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 ↗
- 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 →
National parks where it is recorded
According to the official national park profiles from the KSDAE directorate. The animal may also live elsewhere.
Related causes and news
Cite this page
Credit PanduanHewan when referring to this page. Check the original evidence sources before reusing a claim.
PanduanHewan. Javan Lutung (Trachypithecus auratus). Last substantive update: 1 October 2026. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/trachypithecus-auratus/