A primate distinguished by its vivid red or chestnut-brown coat adorning the head and limbs contrasts strikingly with the black, slatey-grey, or dark brown of its upper parts. This coloration not only makes the Western Red Colobus one of the more visually arresting members of the Colobus genus but also aids in camouflage within the dappled light of its forest habitat. Among their distinguishing physical traits, the V-shaped nostrils stand out, contributing to their unique facial structure and enhancing their sensory perception.

Adapted to an arboreal lifestyle, the Western Red Colobus exhibits remarkable agility in the treetops, where it spends the majority of its life. The dense canopy of West Africa’s tropical forests provides both sanctuary and sustenance, allowing these primates to forage for leaves, fruits, and flowers. However, their preference for life high in the trees does not fully shield them from predators, notably the common chimpanzee. Interactions between these species are not uncommon, with chimpanzees predating on the Western Red Colobus, a behavior that interestingly has been linked to the transmission of diseases such as the Ebola virus among chimpanzee populations.

Designated as Endangered in 2020, the Western Red Colobus faces a precarious future, primarily due to human-induced threats. Commercial and subsistence hunting, driven by the demand for bushmeat, poses a significant risk to their populations, reducing their numbers and disrupting their social structures. Additionally, human intrusion and disturbances, including warfare and military exercises, have severely impacted their range since 1989, further exacerbating their decline.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Côte D’ivoire

97,000

EN

2020

Gambia

2,500

EN

2020

Guinea-Bissau

2020

Guinea

2020

Liberia

2020

Senegal

2020

Sierra Leone

5,000

EN

2020