West African Red (Bay) Colobus

The western red colobus, also known as the bay red colobus, rust-red colobus, or Upper Guinea red colobus, is a fascinating Old World monkey inhabiting the forests of West Africa, from Senegal to Ghana. According to Groves (2005), this species is divided into three subspecies, including the critically endangered Miss Waldron's red colobus.

These monkeys are quite distinctive with their red or chestnut-brown heads and limbs, and black upper parts. They typically reach a length of 45 to 67 cm (excluding the tail), with tails ranging from 52 to 80 cm. Their weight varies between 5 to 11 kg.

Western red colobus monkeys are native to the tropical regions of West Africa, with notable populations in Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea, and western Ivory Coast. They thrive in primary rainforests, secondary forests, and gallery forests.

Living in groups that can range from 12 to 80 members, these monkeys exhibit a complex social structure with a hierarchy that dictates access to resources such as food and grooming. Unfortunately, the red colobus faces significant threats, including hunting and diseases. For example, there have been instances of Ebola virus transmission from infected monkeys to chimpanzees, highlighting the challenges these monkeys face in their natural habitats.