About Colobus Monkeys

Like many monkeys, the colobus monkey spends the majority of its time in the highest parts of the dense jungle forest canopy. Unlike most other monkeys, however, the colobus lacks thumbs, which is thought to be an adaptation that allows it to grasp tree branches more securely. The name colobus comes from the African word for “mutilated one,” referring to their missing appendages. Nevertheless, colobus monkeys are well adapted for their natural environments.

  1. Identification

    • Aside from the missing thumbs, colobus can also be identified by their long black and white coats, which help to camouflage them from predators. Red colobus monkeys also exist but are very rare. Colobus monkeys can also be identified by their lack of cheek pouches. Adult monkeys are between 12 to 32 lbs. and 18 to 27 inches tall when fully grown.

    Habitat

    • Colobus monkeys live in the jungles of Africa, and are one of the most arboreal species of monkeys. They spend most of their day leaping from tree to tree in search of food and have been known to leap distances as great as 20 feet.

    Diet

    • Colobus monkeys are vegetarians and eat tree leaves, flowers and fruit in the wild. In captivity, they eat primarily fruits and vegetables including apples, grapes and carrots.

    Social Behavior

    • Colobus live in family groups consisting of several females, one male and juvenile offspring. All family members participate in caring for babies, which can be born during any time of the year and are nursed by their mothers for the first year of life.

    Considerations

    • Colobus monkeys are an endangered species. While it is illegal to do so now, colobus monkeys were once widely hunted for their silky coats. Poaching, habitat encroachment and deforestation all threaten the existence of these creatures in the wild.