Colobus guereza

 The eastern black-and-white colobus monkey is a striking primate native to the forests of eastern Africa, known for its glossy black fur, bright white mantle, and long, flowing tail. These monkeys are an important part of their forest ecosystems.

Eastern black-and-white colobus monkeys live in tropical forests, including montane and coastal forests. They are highly arboreal, spending almost all of their time in the trees. Their strong limbs and long tails help them leap gracefully between branches, sometimes covering distances of over 30 feet in a single jump.

Colobus monkeys are herbivores, meaning they eat plants. Their diet consists mostly of leaves, but they also eat fruits, flowers, and seeds. Unique among primates, colobus monkeys have a specialized multi-chambered stomach that helps digest tough leaves efficiently.

These monkeys are social animals and live in groups called troops, usually led by a dominant male. Group living provides safety from predators, such as leopards and eagles. Mothers care for their young, and the entire troop helps watch over babies as they learn to navigate the forest canopy.

The word "colobus" comes from the Greek word "kolobos", meaning "mutilated", which refers to the monkeys' lack of thumbs. 

Did You Know?
Colobus monkeys can leap over 30 feet between trees! Their long white tails act like a balancing pole when moving through the canopy. Despite their striking appearance, these monkeys are surprisingly quiet compared to other primates, using soft calls to communicate with their troop.