Angolan Colobus Monkey
3-5 feet, most of which is tail; 20-30 lbs.
Central Africa, from Nigeria to Ethiopia and Tanzania
Wild - Mainly leaves
Zoo - Sweet potatoes, carrots, apples, bananas, primate chow
These slender tree dwellers have very long, non-prehensile tails; long silky black and white fur
- Arboreal (tree dwelling); seldom descend to ground
- Contrasting colors provide camouflage in the dark forests by blending in with light and shadows.
- Reacts to threat by hiding
- The lack of a thumb sets them apart from all other primates.
- Their name is derived from the Greek word "kolobus" meaning maimed or mutilated.
- Enemies: eagles and sometimes chimps
- According to legend, Colobus is the messenger of God, because they climb to top of tall trees at sunrise and sunset and sit quietly as though praying.
CITES App. II; Endangered due being hunted by man for their long, silky black and white fur.