Animals
Class: Mammal
Biome:
Conservation Status: Least Concern
About this animal
The Black and white colobus monkey is native to equatorial Africa. The name “colobus” is derived from the Greek word for “mutilated,” because unlike other monkeys, colobus monkeys do not have thumbs. It measures up to 30 inches in length when fully grown and can weigh between 15 to 30 pounds. Colobus monkeys are strictly leaf-eaters and spend most of their time in treetops, preferring to eat the tender young leaves found there. However, complex stomachs enable them to digest mature or toxic foliage that other monkeys cannot. Colobus monkeys live in troops of about 5 to 10 animals—a dominant male, several females, and young. Each troop has its own territory which is well defined and defended from other troops. Adult troop members, especially males, make croaking roars that can be heard resonating throughout the forest. There is no distinct breeding season although most mating is thought to occur during the rainy season. Because a female suckles her infant for over a year, an average of 20 months passes before she gives birth again. Other troop members often handle very young infants. In the first month when the infant still has a pink face, it may be handled three to five times an hour in resting groups. Infant mortality is high even though the young are carefully tended. They live in small groups with a single male that roars to defend his territory and females from rivals. The newborn colobus monkey is covered with white fur, and at about 1 month gradually begins to change colour, finally gaining the black and white adult colouration at about 3 months.
Did you know?
The black and white colobus is noted for its unique pelt or coat. They have been hunted for centuries for this reason. Until recently, rugs were made for tourists, using 25 skins for a small rug!!
