These colobus monkeys are adorned with long, flowing white locks of hair surrounding their black faces, creating a visually striking contrast. Additionally, they possess a mantle of white hair on their shoulders, further enhancing their unique appearance. One of the most notable features of the Angola colobus is its long, thin tail, which can be either black or white, with the tip always being white.

These remarkable primates are primarily found in dense rainforests in the lowlands and coastal mountains of their range, which extends up to elevations of 2,400 meters (7,800 feet) in countries such as Kenya. Despite being classified as Vulnerable by conservation organizations, the population of Angola colobus is experiencing a decline due to various threats to their habitat and survival.

One of the primary threats to Angola colobus populations is residential and commercial development, which leads to habitat fragmentation and loss. As human populations expand and urban areas encroach upon natural habitats, Angola colobus populations are increasingly confined to isolated patches of forest, making them more vulnerable to extinction. Additionally, habitat loss due to agricultural expansion and mining activities further exacerbates the decline of Angola colobus populations across their range.

Despite their Vulnerable status, Angola colobus populations exhibit resilience and adaptability, particularly in the Congo Basin, where they have a wide geographical range and can be locally abundant. However, in eastern Africa, particularly in countries like Tanzania and Kenya, Angola colobus populations are much more fragmented, facing increased pressures from human activities and habitat degradation.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Angola

2016

Burundi

2016

DR Congo (Kinshasa)

2016

Kenya

2016

Malawi

2016

Mozambique

2016

Rwanda

2016

Tanzania

2016

Uganda

2016

Zambia

2016