# Guereza Colobus (*Colobus guereza*)

> The guereza colobus (Colobus guereza) is a black-and-white leaf monkey of Central and East African forests with a flowing white tail fringe. Adults weigh about 9 kg, digest leaves in a complex stomach, and are listed Least Concern.

- **Category:** Mammal
- **Conservation status (IUCN):** Least Concern
- **Range:** Forests of Central and East Africa.
- **Canonical page:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/colobus/
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-07-16

## Scientific classification

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Chordata
- **Class:** Mammalia
- **Order:** Primates
- **Family:** Cercopithecidae
- **Genus:** Colobus

## Facts at a glance

| Attribute | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Scientific name | Colobus guereza |
| Diet | Herbivore |
| Habitat | Montane and lowland forest |
| Lifespan | 20–25 years |
| Weight | 7–12 kg |
| Top speed | up to 30 km/h |
| Conservation status | Least Concern (IUCN) |

## Leaf-eating forest acrobat

Colobus monkeys have reduced thumbs, long limbs, and multi-chambered stomachs to ferment leaves. A white mantle and tail tuft contrast with black body fur.

## Leaves, flowers, and fruit

Mature leaves dominate the diet, supplemented by flowers, bark, and occasional fruit. Slow digestion lets them exploit foliage other primates avoid.

## Montane and riverine forest

Forests from Nigeria and Cameroon east to Ethiopia and Tanzania. Groups of 8–15 animals leap confidently between tall trees.

## Forest loss at local scales

Least Concern range-wide, but logging and charcoal production fragment habitats. Sacred status in some cultures has protected local populations.

## Frequently asked questions

### Why do colobus monkeys lack thumbs?

A reduced thumb acts like a hook for brachiating through branches — an adaptation for canopy travel.

### What do guereza colobus eat?

Mostly leaves, plus some flowers, bark, and fruit — they are specialist folivores.

### What is the white fur on a colobus?

A mantle around the shoulders and a long tail tuft used in display and species recognition.

### Do colobus monkeys live in troops?

Yes — small multi-male groups with females and young share a home range in the canopy.

### Are colobus monkeys endangered?

Guereza colobus is Least Concern overall, though habitat loss threatens local groups.

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Source: Global Animal Guide (https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/colobus/). Licensed CC BY-NC 4.0 — free for non-commercial reuse with attribution.