Western red colobus facts for kids
The western red colobus (Piliocolobus badius), also known as the bay red colobus or rust red colobus, is a type of Old World monkey. These monkeys live in the forests of West Africa, from Senegal all the way to Ghana. Other kinds of red colobus monkeys were once thought to be just different types of P. badius.
Quick facts for kids Western red colobus |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Piliocolobus
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| Species: |
badius
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| Western Red Colobus range (green — extant, orange — possibly extinct) |
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Chimpanzees often hunt the western red colobus. In 1994, these monkeys were linked to the spread of the Ebola virus to chimpanzees. This happened because chimpanzees sometimes hunt the monkeys for food.
Meet the Subspecies
According to a scientist named Colin Groves (in 2005), there are three main types, or subspecies, of the Western red colobus. These include the original type:
- Bay red colobus, Piliocolobus badius badius
- Temminck's red colobus, Piliocolobus badius temminckii
- Miss Waldron's red colobus, Piliocolobus badius waldronae
The P. b. waldronae subspecies is in great danger. It might even be extinct, meaning it no longer exists. The other two subspecies are also endangered. More recent studies often consider these types as completely separate species. Groves agrees with this idea, but not all primate scientists do.
What Do They Look Like?
The western red colobus is a medium-sized monkey. Its head and body can be about 45 to 67 centimeters (18 to 26 inches) long. Their tails are even longer, from 52 to 80 centimeters (20 to 31 inches). These monkeys usually weigh between 5 and 11 kilograms (11 to 24 pounds).
They have red or chestnut-brown fur on their heads and limbs. Their upper bodies are black, slatey-grey, or dark brown. Unlike some other monkeys, they do not have long fringes of hair. They also do not have tufts of hair on their tails. Compared to monkeys in the genus Colobus, their nostrils are shaped like a "V". They also have long fingers and toes, but a short big toe.
Where Do They Live?
The red colobus monkey lives only in tropical West Africa. You can find them in different groups in Sierra Leone. There are also larger groups in Liberia, Guinea, and the western part of Ivory Coast. It is not clear exactly where the areas of P. b. badius and P. b. temminckii meet. However, P. b. badius groups are separated from P. b. waldronae by the Bandama River in Ivory Coast.
These monkeys live mostly in trees. They prefer old, untouched rainforests. But they can also live in forests that have grown back or in forests along rivers.
How Do They Live?
The red colobus monkeys live in large groups called colonies. These groups can have anywhere from twelve to eighty members. Usually, there are several males and up to three times as many adult females. Within these groups, there is a social order. This order helps decide who gets access to food, space, and grooming.
