Mammals
Zanzibar Red Colobus
Piliocolobus kirkii · also called Kirk's red colobus
In the coastal forest of Unguja, a Zanzibar red colobus bounds across a branch and nibbles a lump of charcoal left from a burnt tree, a habit found nowhere else in the monkey’s family.
Overview
The Zanzibar red colobus, Piliocolobus kirkii, is an Endangered monkey found only on Unguja, the main island of Zanzibar. Its charcoal-eating, leaf-fermenting stomach, and vulnerability to forest loss and road deaths make it one of Africa’s most threatened and best-known island primates.
A monkey on one island
Because the whole species lives on a single island, any loss of forest or increase in traffic falls on every Zanzibar red colobus.
Status
Endangered, with a decreasing population.
Zanzibar Red Colobus: common questions
Why does the Zanzibar red colobus eat charcoal?
It is known to eat charcoal, which may help to neutralise toxins in the leaves it eats.
Where is the Zanzibar red colobus found?
It lives only on Unguja, the main island of Zanzibar off the coast of Tanzania.
Why is the Zanzibar red colobus endangered?
It has lost forest to clearing and is often killed by vehicles when it crosses roads.
Where can people see the Zanzibar red colobus?
It has strongholds in protected forest, such as Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park.