Angolan Colobus Monkey
Colobus angolensis

CLASS: Mammalia
ORDER: Primates
FAMILY: Cercopithecidae

SIZE:
3-5 feet, most of which is tail; 20-30 lbs.

RANGE:
Central Africa, from Nigeria to Ethiopia and Tanzania

HABITAT:
Forests

DIET:
Wild - Mainly leaves
Zoo - Sweet potatoes, carrots, apples, bananas, primate chow

DESCRIPTION:
These slender tree dwellers have very long, non-prehensile tails; long silky black and white fur

FACTS:

• 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.

STATUS:
CITES App. II; Endangered due being hunted by man for their long, silky black and white fur.