Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Primates
- Family
- Cercopithecidae
- Genus
- Colobus
Habitat
Mantled Guerezas primarily inhabit tropical and montane forests in East Africa, including countries like Uganda, Kenya, and Ethiopia. They prefer dense canopies with tall trees for movement and shelter, often found in both lowland and highland forests up to 4,000 meters elevation.
Diet
Their diet mainly consists of leaves from various trees, supplemented by fruits, seeds, and flowers. They are primarily folivorous and feed during the day, spending hours in the treetops to select and consume nutrient-poor foliage that requires fermentation in their complex stomachs.
Behavior
Mantled Guerezas live in troops of 3 to 15 individuals, typically with one dominant male and several females, exhibiting strong social bonds and grooming behaviors. They are diurnal and arboreal, spending most of their time in the forest canopy, and are known for their loud, roaring vocalizations to communicate, defend territory, and warn of predators. These calls can be heard over long distances and help maintain group cohesion.
Conservation Status
The IUCN classifies the Mantled Guereza as Least Concern, but populations are declining due to habitat loss from deforestation and agriculture. Major threats include fragmentation of forests and human encroachment.