Mantled Guereza
Colobus guereza
Conservation Status
Least ConcernMammalia · Primates · Cercopithecidae
About
The mantled guereza, also known simply as the guereza, the eastern black-and-white colobus, or the Abyssinian black-and-white colobus, is a black-and-white colobus, a type of Old World monkey. It is native to much of west central and east Africa, including Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Chad. The species consists of several subspecies that differ in appearance. It has a distinctive appearance, which is alluded to in its name; the long white fringes of hair that run along each side of its black trunk are known as a mantle. Its face is framed with white hair and it has a large white tail tuft.
Fun Fact
Mantled guerezas lack thumbs entirely (the name 'colobus' means 'mutilated' in Greek), but this actually helps them swing through trees — their four long fingers form a perfect hook for branch-to-branch travel.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Montane and gallery forests
Diet
Herbivore
Lifespan
20-29 years
Threats
- Habitat Fragmentation
- Wildfire