Colobus, Eastern Black and White

Common Name

Colobus, Eastern Black and White

Scientific Name

Colobus guereza kikuyuensis

Habitat

Lives in trees of any forest type found in central Africa. They typically inhabit the canopies and only very rarely come to the ground.

Status

Species Survival Plan, Least concern though numbers are declining

Diet

Mainly leaves, which they digest using a large, multi-chambered stomach. Though they ingest mostly leaves, they also eat a lot of fruits, other foliage, and the occasional invertebrate.

Zoo Location

TransAlta Rainforest
Read about the new Colobus baby

Range

Ranges through Central Africa

Physical Description

Height: 51 - 71 cm (20 - 28 in)

Weight: 3.6 - 9 kg (8 - 20 lb)

Description

The Eastern black and white colobus has an exotic black coat with long fringes of white fur on its sides and tail. Interestingly, only adults display this colouration as babies have bright white fur.

Behaviour

Females remain in the group of their birth for life, meaning that mothers and daughters have life-long relationships. Colubus monkeys take turns sleeping at night so that at least one individual is awake at all times, to watch for predators. Territories are vigorously defended by males with leaps and cries, hand-to-hand communication, roars, and occasional chasing and fighting. Displays of their white fringe fur flapping up and down serve as a warning to other monkeys.

Threats

Deforestation is the main concern of this arboreal primate.