Fauna
Mammal · GBIF taxon 4266995

Ashy Red Colobus

Piliocolobus tephrosceles

Also 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
Ashy Red Colobus reference1 / 3
Licensed referenceCharles J. Sharp / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
—observations
—countries
—peak records
EndangeredConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXEndangeredRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
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
Classification
  1. OrderPrimates
  2. FamilyCercopithecidae
  3. GenusPiliocolobus
  4. SpeciesPiliocolobus tephrosceles
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. 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.
Related species
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