King Colobus

• Common Names: King Colobus, Western Black and White Colobus
• Taxonomy Classification Year: 1780
• Monkey Size: 45 to 72 cm (17.72 to 28.35 in)
• Skin Color(s): Black
• Habitat: Forest, rainforest, scrub forest
• Diet: Herbivorous
• Native Countries: Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ivory Coast

The king colobus^[1] (Colobus polykomos), also called the western black and white colobus is a species of Old World monkey found in lowland and montane rainforests.

• The king colobus has white markings like most other species in the Colobus genus, but this species is notable for having a white chest and whiskers, while the rest of the body is black.
• Also, the King Colobus’ tail is all white and not bushy. The king colobus has a slender body with a long tail and prominent rump callosities.
• A complex hollow stomach is present, but there are no cheek pouches.
• The thumb is reduced to a simple tubercle, the skull is slightly prognathous, and the eye sockets are oval with narrow brow ridges.
• The nostrils are elongated by an extension of the nasal skin and can extend almost to the mouth.

The King Colobus diet includes the following plants^[¶]:

• Fig (Ficus)
• Hairy Rock Fig (Ficus glumosa).
• Boleko Nut (Ongokea gore).
• Persimmons (Diospyros)
• Ohia (Celtis zenkeri)
• Chinalaurel (Antidesma)
• Raphia Palm (Raphia africana).
• African Nutmeg (Pycnanthus angolensis).
• Sacred Garlic Pear (Crateva religiosa).
• Chinese Banyan (Ficus thonningii).
• Guanabanilla (Ouratea striata)
• Leaf Flower (Phyllanthus)

Leopards (Panthera pardus) are the primary predators of King Colobus monkeys^[§].

• Colobus polykomos usually live in small social groups consisting of 3-4 adult females and 1-3 adult males.
• Unlike males, females interact closely: males hardly interact and try to exhibit dominance.
• Although C. polykomos is generally very arboreal, members of this species have been seen foraging on the ground.
• Their reliance on seeds, leafy vegetation, and fruits can affect plant communities, including seed dispersal.
• The king colobus has been shown to live around 23.5 years in captivity and possibly around 30 years in the wild.