Bespoke Tanzania Safaris

The Udzungwa Red Colobus (Piliocolobus gordonorum), also known as the Iringa Red Colobus or Uzungwa Red Colobus, is an emblematic primate species exclusive to Tanzania, specifically within the Udzungwa Mountains. This species is a testament to Tanzania’s biodiversity, showcasing the country’s role as a hotspot for endemic species due to its varied ecological niches.

Endemism places the Udzungwa Red Colobus in a unique conservation context; it is found nowhere else in the world, making its habitat within the Udzungwa Mountains invaluable. The species was first scientifically described in the late 20th century, highlighting how much remains to be discovered in Tanzania’s ecosystems.

Population estimates for the Udzungwa Red Colobus are not precisely known due to the challenging terrain of their habitat, but studies suggest there might be between 45,000 to 50,000 individuals across the forests of the Udzungwa range. This number, while seemingly high, does not diminish the conservation concerns, as their habitat is under pressure from human activities like logging, agriculture, and charcoal production. The species is listed as “Vulnerable” by the IUCN Red List, with threats including habitat fragmentation and degradation. Conservation efforts in Tanzania focus on protecting these forests, engaging local communities in conservation, and promoting ecotourism as a sustainable alternative to resource exploitation.

COMMON NAME: Udzungwa Red Colobus

SWAHILI NAME: (Mapepe, though this is a general term for monkeys in Swahili; no specific name for this species is well-documented)

SCIENTIFIC NAME:Piliocolobus gordonorum

TYPE:Mammal (Primate)

FOOD: They are primarily folivorous, with their diet consisting of leaves, supplemented by fruits, seeds, flowers, and occasionally bark. Their specialized digestive system, with a multi-chambered stomach, allows for the fermentation of this high-fiber diet.

HABITAT: Endemic to the Udzungwa Mountains in Tanzania, their habitat includes:

• Tropical Rainforests: Within the Udzungwa Mountains National Park.
• Montane Forests: They inhabit various altitudes, from lowland to higher elevation forests.
• Riverine Forests: Near rivers where vegetation is lush.

SIZE:

• Length: Body length ranges from 45 to 60 cm, with tails adding another 50 to 70 cm.
• Height: They stand approximately 40 to 50 cm tall when on all fours.

AVERAGE LIFE SPAN IN THE NATURAL HABITAT: Their lifespan in the wild is not well-documented, but generally, colobus monkeys can live up to 20 to 30 years.

ACTIVE: They are diurnal, active during the day with periods of foraging, social activity, and rest, typically more active in the morning and late afternoon.

GESTATION PERIOD: The gestation period is around 5 to 6 months (approximately 150 to 180 days).

SEXUAL DIMORPHISM: There is some sexual dimorphism:

• Males are slightly larger than females.
• Males might have more prominent facial features or slightly different coat patterns.

WEIGHT:

• Male: Can weigh between 10 to 15 kg (22 to 33 lbs).
• Female: Generally weighs around 8 to 12 kg (17.6 to 26.4 lbs).

SIZE COMPARISON TO A 6-FT MAN:

• Height: When standing upright, an Udzungwa Red Colobus would reach to about the waist of a 6-foot man.
• Length: Stretched out, including the tail, they would be comparable in length to the distance from the man’s waist to just below his knees.

Habitat and Geographic Range:

Udzungwa Mountains:

The Udzungwa Red Colobus, scientifically known as Piliocolobus gordonorum, is endemic to the Udzungwa Mountains in Tanzania. These ancient mountains harbor a vast expanse of tropical rainforests and lush vegetation, providing the perfect habitat for this primate species. The Udzungwa Mountains are renowned for their rich biodiversity and serve as a critical stronghold for the survival of the Udzungwa Red Colobus.

Geographic Range:

The Udzungwa Red Colobus has a limited geographic range, confined to specific areas within the Udzungwa Mountains. They primarily inhabit the montane forests at elevations between 300 and 2,000 meters above sea level. The unique combination of altitude, climate, and vegetation in this region creates a specialized habitat that supports the Udzungwa Red Colobus population.

Physical Characteristics and Adaptations:

The Udzungwa Red Colobus has several distinctive physical features:

• Size: They have a body length of about 45 to 60 cm, with tails extending another 50 to 70 cm, making them similar in size to other red colobus but with unique adaptations for their mountain habitat.
• Fur: Their fur is predominantly black on the back with a stark contrast of white on the belly. The most distinctive feature is the red cap on their heads, made of auburn hair, which sets them apart from other colobus species.
• Face: Their faces are black with pinkish or white spots around the muzzle, giving them a somewhat masked appearance.
• Limbs: They possess long, slender limbs adapted for arboreal life, with reduced thumbs or a lack of opposable thumbs, typical of colobus monkeys.
• Tail: Long and used for balance while moving through the trees.

Vibrant Red Coloration:

The Udzungwa Red Colobus is known for its vibrant red fur, which distinguishes it from other colobus species. The intense red coloration, particularly on its back and sides, makes it a striking primate to behold. This coloration is attributed to specialized pigments and provides excellent camouflage within the forest canopy.

Arboreal Adaptations:

As arboreal primates, Udzungwa Red Colobus have several adaptations that enable them to thrive in their forest habitat. They possess long limbs and a prehensile tail that aids in balancing and moving through the trees. Their strong grasping hands and feet allow for secure grip on branches, facilitating their adeptness at leaping and brachiating (swinging from branch to branch).

Social Behavior and Reproduction:

Troop Dynamics:

Udzungwa Red Colobus live in social groups called troops, typically consisting of several individuals. Within the troop, there is a complex social structure where males compete for dominance and breeding rights. Females play a crucial role in maintaining social cohesion and caring for offspring. Vocalizations, grooming, and physical contact are integral in communication and bonding within the troop.

Reproduction and Parental Care:

Udzungwa Red Colobus exhibit a slow reproductive rate compared to other primate species. Females give birth to a single offspring after a gestation period of approximately six months. The young are dependent on their mothers for an extended period, receiving nourishment and protection until they mature. This reproductive strategy contributes to the vulnerability of the species and underscores the importance of conservation efforts.

Conservation Status and Threats:

Endangered Status:

The Udzungwa Red Colobus is listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Their restricted geographic range and habitat fragmentation pose significant challenges to their survival. Deforestation, habitat loss due to agricultural expansion, illegal hunting, and the pet trade are among the major threats facing this species.

Conservation Efforts:

Efforts to conserve the Udzungwa Red Colobus focus on habitat protection, community engagement, and research. Establishing protected areas, such as the Udzungwa Mountains National Park, plays a vital role in safeguarding their habitat. Collaboration between local communities, conservation organizations, and government agencies is crucial for promoting sustainable practices, raising awareness, and enforcing regulations to protect this endangered primate.