The Niger Delta Red Colobus (scientific name: Piliocolobus epieni) was first discovered by scientists in 1993. At that time, scientists believed it was a subspecies of the Eastern Red Colobus, but in 2007, genetic research upgraded the monkey to an independent species.
The Niger Delta red colobus monkey is a diurnal animal. It lives in tropical rainforests ranging from lowlands to altitudes of more than 3,000 meters. It is arboreal and moves quickly between trees. They usually live in groups of 12-82 individuals, with family territories ranging from 25-150 hectares. Like other red colobus species, groups are multi-male and multi-female, with females usually twice as many as males. The gestation period is about 4.5-5.5 months, with one baby born per litter.
The complex structure of the stomach of the Niger Delta red colobus has been adapted to digest leaves. They are completely vegetarian, eating large amounts of leaves every day, as well as fruits, mosses and seeds, with a daily intake of up to 2-3 kilograms. They also eat soil and charcoal to help digest toxins in the leaves.
Listed as one of the top 25 most endangered primates in the world.
Listed in the 2008 Red List of Endangered Species of the World Conservation Union (IUCN) ver 3.1 - Critically Endangered (CR).
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