Tana River red colobus

The Tana Red Colobus ( Piliocolobus rufomitratus ) is a primate of the group of colobus monkeys.

Tana colobus Colobus are all built like slim and have a long tail and a rear- formed thumb. Their fur is colored light gray on the back in black and gray on the belly. There is a red cap on the top of the head.

These primates are found only in Kenya, where they live in forest areas along the lower reaches of the Tana River. Their habitat are the partially flooded river forests.

Tana colobus monkeys are diurnal and usually stay on the trees. They live in groups of up to 30 animals, in contrast to many other red colobus monkeys, these are no more male groups. Rather often live only one or two males with several females and the accompanying pups together. These primates are herbivores that eat primarily young leaves, but also take fruits, seeds, buds and flowers to him. Like all colobus monkeys, they have a multi-chambered stomach for better utilization of indigestible plant food.

The Tana Red Colobus has a small distribution area, the strong influences and regulatory measures is exposed by humans. Due to habitat destruction and hunting stocks have fallen sharply, an estimate from 1994 puts the total population at 1100-1300 animals. The IUCN lists the species as " threatened with extinction " ( critically endangered ). The main retreat is the Tana River National Primate Reserve.