Angolan Colobus
Colobus angolensis
Description: The Colobus Monkey is a large, shaggy black and white monkey. Their hind legs are longer and stronger than their forelimbs. They from 20 to 52 lbs. and are from 14 to 28 inches long. They have a short muzzle.
General Information: Colobus Monkeys usually inhabit a very small area. They prefer to eat new foliage, but can persist on old foliage. They eat 25% to 33% of their body weight in leaves per day. Troop members groom and sunbathe up to an hour before continuing to go to eat. After intense eating sessions, they stop at midday to rest, groom, and digest their food. They then resume feeding until an hour before night time, at which time they make their way to their sleeping tree. Colobus Monkeys can move very quickly through the canopy, if startled. They almost “glide” from tree to tree as they disappear into the canopy. They communicate by using different sounds, such as roaring, snorting, and purring.
Habitat: Inhabits a wide range of habitats including secondary and riparian forests, and montane forests.
Range: East Africa (Rwanda, SW and E. Tanzania into southeastern Kenya), Angola.
Reproduction: Birth peaks during the rainy season, but is not strictly seasonal. The gestation period is 6 months; The average interval between births is 20 months. Females mature at 4 years of age; Males mature at 6 years of age.
Life Span: Up to 26 years in the wild, and 28 years in captivity.
Diet:
In the Wild: Young foliage, fruits. Has an advantage over other primates since it can eat old foliage too.
At the Zoo: Leafeater primate biscuits, variety of produce.
Interesting Facts: Colobus Monkeys were once widely hunted for their beautiful white and black furs. It is estimated that up to 2 million of them were killed for their pelts