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Mystical White Monkeys of Sinharaja: A Rare Sight Enchanting Visitors – By Nadeeka – eLanka Deep in the lush rainforests of southern Sri Lanka, a rare and captivating sight has been drawing curious travelers and wildlife enthusiasts to the remote village of Lankagama—snow-white monkeys with ghostly coats and an air of mystery. These unusual primates, discovered near the Sinharaja Forest Reserve, are a striking color variation of the purple-faced langur, an endangered species found only on the island. A Genetic Rarity: Not Quite Albino Unlike typical purple-faced langurs that sport black fur and distinctive white sideburns, these “white” langurs exhibit either completely pale coats or partially white patches. Scientists have identified this condition as leucism, a genetic trait that results in reduced pigmentation across all fur and skin, rather than albinism, which only affects melanin production. The white langurs have mostly been observed among populations of the southern subspecies (Semnopithecus ...