Preuss's red colobus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Preuss's red colobus |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Piliocolobus
|
| Species: |
preussi
|
 |
|
| Preuss's Red Colobus range | |
The Preuss's red colobus (scientific name: Piliocolobus preussi) is a type of red colobus monkey. It's a primate, which means it's part of the same animal group as monkeys, apes, and humans. These special monkeys live only in a specific area of Africa, near the Cross-Sanaga Rivers. You can find them in countries like Cameroon and Nigeria.
One of the most important places where they live is Korup National Park in Cameroon. They are also found in Cross River National Park in Nigeria and in the Ebo forest in Cameroon. Even though they live in these areas, their groups are often found in small, specific spots.
Contents
Appearance of the Preuss's Red Colobus
The Preuss's red colobus has a very unique look. Its head is black, and its back is also black but with orange specks mixed in. They have a bright red tail, and their arms, legs, and cheeks are also a vibrant red color.
Conservation Status and Protection
Sadly, the Preuss's red colobus is a critically endangered species. This means there are very few of them left in the wild, and they are at a high risk of disappearing forever. The main reasons for this are too much hunting and the loss of their natural homes.
Many of the remaining groups of these monkeys live in special protected areas. These include Korup National Park in Cameroon, Cross River National Park in Nigeria, and the proposed national park at Ebo. These parks help keep the monkeys safe and protect their forest homes.
What They Eat
Like other colobus monkeys, the Preuss's red colobus mostly eats leaves. Animals that mainly eat leaves are called folivores. They spend a lot of their time looking for and munching on different types of leaves in their forest habitat.
How They Are Classified
Scientists classify animals to understand how they are related to each other. In the past, the Preuss's red colobus was sometimes thought to be a type of other red colobus monkeys, like the Pennant's colobus or the western red colobus. However, now it is recognized as its own distinct species.
