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On the lookout
‘Black-and-white colobus spend most of their time high up in the trees. During the day, they rest or forage for food. At night, they are at risk of attack from leopards, chimpanzees and crowned eagles. That is why one monkey always stays awake to keep watch over the group’
Discover in real lifeHabitat:
wooded areas in Central Africa
Food:
leaves, fruit and flowers
Lifespan:
20 years in the wild
Weight:
♀ 8–9 kg ♂ 10–13 kg
Number of young:
1 young
Gestation period:
5–6 months
IUCN:
safe
EEP:
yes
About the black-and-white colobus
The black-and-white colobus lives in the forested regions of Central Africa and spends almost all its time high up in the trees. It feeds mainly on leaves, supplemented with fruit and flowers, and lives to around 20 years of age in the wild. Females weigh 8–9 kilograms, males 10–13 kilograms, and after 5 to 6 months they usually give birth to a single young. Black-and-white Colobuses live in groups consisting of several females and one male; young males leave the group and often live alone or in small groups for a time. As they are vulnerable to predators such as leopards, chimpanzees and crowned eagles at night, one animal always stays awake to warn the group of any danger.
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Habitat and threats
The black-and-white colobus lives in the dense forest areas of Central Africa, where it feels at home amongst tall trees and dense canopies. This environment provides it with both food and protection from predators.
Although the species is currently considered safe, its habitat is under pressure. Deforestation for agriculture and logging is causing sections of forest to disappear or become fragmented, leaving groups of colobus monkeys with less space to live and forage. In addition, human activities in forested areas can cause disturbance. Despite these challenges, the black-and-white colobus population remains stable for the time being, although the conservation of its habitat is vital to ensure this remains the case.
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Species conservation in Beekse Bergen
Fortunately, the IUCN status of the black-and-white colobus is “least concern”, but did you know that more than 10,000 animal species are threatened with extinction? Beekse Bergen works together with approximately 325 European zoos to preserve these species. We form the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA). Through management programmes (EEPs), we ensure healthy reserve populations.
The black-and-white colobus at Beekse Bergen are also part of an EEP. A coordinator keeps a studbook of the species and manages the population in zoos. Together with a committee, the coordinator advises on which animals are allowed to breed together. Sometimes this means that a black-and-white colobus is moved to another zoo. In this way, we increase the chance of healthy offspring and the survival of the species. You can recognize animal species with an EEP by the logo of a rhino with a calf.