The Udzungwa red colobus (Piliocolobus gordonorum), Uzungwa red colobus or Iringa red colobus
The Udzungwa red colobus (Piliocolobus gordonorum), also known as the Uzungwa red colobus or Iringa red colobus, is a species of primate in the family Cercopithecidae. It is endemic to riverine and montane forest in the Udzungwa Mountains in Kilolo District of Iringa Region in Tanzania. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Appearance
Piliocolobus gordonorum is a species of catarrhine primate belonging to the family Cercopithecidae. The body length of males is 46-70 cm, of females 47-62 cm, tail length of males 55-80 cm, of females 42-80 cm, weight of males 9-13 kg, of females 7-9 kg. The coat of Piliocolobus gordonorum is black on the back and the outer part of the limbs, while the belly is white. The bright red hair on the head stands out. The thumb is small and the body slender.
Habitat
Piliocolobus gordonorum inhabits the Udzungwa Mountains of Tanzania, at an altitude of 250 to 2,200 metres. It inhabits forests, including lowland old-growth forest, secondary forest and montane forest.
Life history and nutrition
The Piliocolobus gordonorum group numbers between 7 and 83 animals. Small groups in forests are heavily degraded by human activities, compared to groups living in large, undisturbed forests. These animals have a diurnal lifestyle and are usually found in trees. Their diet consists of old or young leaves, fruits and stems.
Red-listed Piliocolobus gordonorum
This species is threatened by habitat loss due to logging, conversion to farmland, collection of firewood and charcoal production, and hunting. It is listed in Class A of the African Convention and Appendix II of CITES. Currently, only half of the species' range is protected within the "Uzungwa Mountains" National Park.
