King Colobus

King Colobus
Colobus polykomos

Colobus monkeys spend all their time in the treetops of dense African forests. They have no thumbs and elongated fingers that can form a hook to facilitate swinging through the branches. Colobus monkeys have highly specialised digestive systems that allow them to eat and detoxify the large quantities of tree leaves that make up their diet. They are territorial and live in small family groups.

Some colobus populations are threatened by deforestation and hunting for their attractive skins and for bushmeat. The King Colobus is listed as ‘Vulnerable’ as its population has declined over 30 per cent in the past 30 years.

Distribution: West Africa from Senegal to Ivory Coast
Conservation status: Vulnerable
Evolutionary distinctiveness: Low