King Colobus

Taxonomy

kingdom: Animila

phylum: Chordata

class: Mammalia

family: Cercopithecidae

Order: Primates

Genus: Colobus

How long they have been in existence

Come from old world monkeys around 5-10 million years ago

Evolution

Subspecies

Colobus polykomos polykomos

Colobus polykomos parmentieri

Colobus polykomos temminckii

Colobus polykomos occultus

3 ancestors

Procolobus

colobus angolensis

colobus Guerra

Closets living relatives

Red colobus monkeys

black and white colobus monkey

Description

Black fur: Their body is covered in long, thick black fur, which is often glossy in appearance.

Long tail: King colobus monkeys have a long, non-prehensile tail that can measure up to twice the length of their body. The tail is usually tipped with a tuft of white fur.

Special feature

White mantle: They have a striking white mantle of fur that surrounds their shoulders and extends down their back, contrasting sharply with their black fur.

lifespan

20-30 years

weight

22-44 pounds

height

20-30 inches

Males vs Females

Behavior: While both sexes engage in social activities, males often play a more dominant role in group dynamics and territory defense. Males may display more aggressive behaviors when protecting the group.

Reproductive Roles: Females are responsible for giving birth and primary care of the infants. They also engage in more grooming behaviors, which helps to strengthen social bonds within the group.

Description of habitat

Rainfall

These regions typically receive high annual rainfall, often exceeding 2000 mm. The rain is crucial for sustaining the lush, dense vegetation that forms their habitat.

Vegetation

The primary habitat is characterized by tall, evergreen trees forming a closed canopy. They prefer areas with a variety of tree species, providing a continuous supply of leaves, their main diet. trees include those from the genera Ficus, Celtis, and Albizia..

Animals

The king colobus shares its habitat with various other primates such as the Diana monkey, western chimpanzees, and several species of guenons.

Temperature

The habitat is typically warm and humid, with average temperatures ranging between 24°C to 28°C throughout the year. There is little seasonal variation in temperature, but some areas experience a distinct dry season and a wet season.

Distrunution

Africa

non invasive

Diet

Leaves: Their primary food source, including young and mature leaves.

Fruits: Occasionally, they eat fruits when available.

Flowers: They consume flowers as a supplementary food source.

Seeds and Bark: Occasionally included in their diet

Selective Feeding: They are selective feeders, often choosing young, tender leaves which are easier to digest and have higher nutritional value.

Social structure

King colobus monkeys (Colobus polykomos) live in social groups rather than leading solitary lives.

Group Composition:

Group Size: Typically, groups consist of 3 to 15 individuals, although larger groups can sometimes be observed.

Membership: Groups usually comprise multiple adult females, their offspring, and one or a few adult males. Some groups may have only one adult male, while others may have several.

Leadership and Roles:

Male Leadership: Groups are often led by one dominant adult male who plays a critical role in protecting the group, especially against predators and rival groups. This male also has primary mating rights.

Female Roles:: Females are central to the social structure, engaging in most of the grooming and caregiving activities. They help maintain social bonds within the group.ddf

Grooming: Grooming is a significant social activity that helps strengthen bonds between group members. It is primarily conducted by females and is essential for maintaining group cohesion..

Play: Juveniles engage in play behavior, which helps them develop social skills and physical coordination.

Male and Female Dynamics:

Mating: The dominant male typically mates with multiple females within the group. However, females may also have some choice in their mating partners.

Territory: Groups have defined home ranges that they defend against intrusions by rival groups. Territorial boundaries are often marked through vocalizations and scent marking

Reproduction

Mating System:

- Polygynous: One dominant male mates with multiple females.

Breeding:

- Year-round: No strict breeding season.

Gestation and Birth:

- Gestation: 5 to 6 months.

- Usually, one infant is born.

Infant Care:

- Mother provides primary care: Nursing, grooming, and protection.

- Other females may help with infant care.

Development:

- Weaning: Around 1 year old.

- Sexual Maturity: Females at 4-6 years, males at 5-8 years

Causes of death

Predation: Natural predators such as large birds of prey and sometimes larger mammals.

Habitat Loss: Deforestation and habitat fragmentation reduce their living spaces and food sources, leading to increased mortality.

Hunting: In some areas, King colobus monkeys are hunted for their meat and fur, leading to population declines.

Disease: Infectious diseases can spread among colobus populations, especially in fragmented habitats where they come into closer contact with humans and other animals.

Conflict with Humans: In areas where human-wildlife conflict is high, colobus monkeys can be killed due to perceived threats to crops or as a result of accidental capture in traps meant for other animals

Competition

Food Resources: They feed mainly on leaves, but also on fruit, flowers, and seeds. Competition can arise over the availability of preferred tree species and high-quality foliage, especially in areas where food sources are limited.

Territory: Groups of colobus monkeys defend their home ranges against other groups. Territorial disputes can occur when groups encroach on each other's territory, seeking access to better feeding areas or shelter.

Mates: Within groups, males may compete for access to females, especially during the breeding season. Dominant males often have priority in mating, leading to competition among subordinate males.

IUCN

Endangerd

population is steady declining mainy due to habitat loss

Human impact

Ecosystem Services: By feeding on leaves, fruits, and flowers, King colobus monkeys play a role in seed dispersal and maintaining the health of forest ecosystems. This contributes to the biodiversity and sustainability of forests, which are crucial for human communities relying on these forests for resources and ecosystem services

Human-Wildlife Conflict: In areas where human settlements encroach on colobus habitats, conflicts can arise. For example, colobus monkeys might raid crops, leading to economic losses for farmers. In retaliation, humans might hunt or capture the monkeys, exacerbating their population decline.

In regions where wildlife tourism is prevalent, King colobus monkeys can attract tourists, contributing to local economies. This tourism can raise awareness about the species and support conservation efforts through funding and community engagement.