Colobus

Colobus is a genus of African Old World monkeys in the subfamily Colobinae. Its species have reduced thumbs and specialized digestive systems adapted to diets rich in leaves.

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Colobinae: Colobinae is a subfamily of Old World monkeys that includes African colobus monkeys and Asian leaf monkeys. Colobus is one African branch of this leaf-eating monkey subfamily.
Foregut fermentation: Foregut fermentation is microbial breakdown of food in chambers near the beginning of an animal’s digestive tract. A complex stomach lets colobus monkeys digest fibrous leaves before they reach the intestines.
King colobus: The king colobus is a black-and-white monkey native to forests of West Africa. Its white mantle and tail contrast with its mostly black body.
Colobus conservation: Colobus conservation comprises efforts to protect colobus species, their populations, and their African forest habitats. Several species face pressure from forest loss and hunting.
Old World monkey: Old World monkeys are primates native to Africa and Asia, belonging to the family Cercopithecidae. Colobus belongs to this primate family, alongside baboons, macaques, and guenons.
Colobine stomach: The colobine stomach is a multi-chambered digestive organ that supports microbial fermentation of plant matter. Its chambers help colobus species process leaves and other fibrous foods.
Guereza: The guereza, or eastern black-and-white colobus, is a canopy-dwelling monkey native to central and eastern Africa. Its long white mantle and tail plume make it a recognizable Colobus species.
Deforestation in Africa: Deforestation in Africa is the removal or degradation of forest cover across the continent. Forest clearing reduces habitat and food sources for many colobus populations.
Ruminant-like digestion: A digestive strategy in which microbes ferment fibrous plant material in a specialized stomach before it passes through the gut. Colobus monkeys use foregut fermentation to extract nutrients from leaves.
Dental formula: A dental formula records the number of incisors, canines, premolars, and molars on one side of an animal’s jaws. Colobus teeth include sharp-edged molars suited to cutting and grinding plant material.