Mammal · GBIF taxon 4266995
Ashy Red Colobus
Piliocolobus tephroscelesAlso known as Ugandan Red Colobus, Uganda Red Colobus
Ashy red colobus monkeys are highly social canopy dwellers that move through East Africa's mid-altitude rainforests in large multi-male, multi-female troops. Their complex, multi-chambered stomachs function as fermentation vats, enabling them to extract nutrients from mature leaves and unripe fruits that are unpalatable to other primates. High-pitched contact calls and loud loud-chatter choruses echo through the treetops as groups coordinate foraging movements and defend their territories.
ArborealSocial
—observations
—countries
—peak records
EndangeredConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXEndangeredRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Tree Leaves
- Unripe Fruits
- Forest Flowers
Predators
- Chimpanzee
- Crowned Eagle
- Leopard
ThreatsHabitat loss, forest fragmentation, agricultural expansion, and hunting
HabitatsMid-altitude moist evergreen forests and gallery forest patches
Life span15–20 years in the wild
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyCercopithecidae
- SpeciesPiliocolobus tephrosceles
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe from a distance; maintain space and never approach or feed wild primates.
- What to notice
- Look for a distinct reddish-chestnut crown cap paired with slaty-grey upperparts and long rufous-tinged tails.
- Support conservation
- Observe from designated park trails alongside authorized guides to minimize stress on vulnerable troops.
Responsible observation
- Canopy Scanning: Look high in the forest upper strata during peak morning and late afternoon feeding times.
- Listen for Calls: Listen for high-pitched squeals and bark-like contact calls to track moving troops.
- Maintain Distance: Observe quietly from established trails using binoculars to avoid disturbing canopy behavior.
Predator Giles Laurent / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
Frequent Companion no rights reserved · cc0
Close Relative (c) avocat, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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