The white-thighed colobus[1] (Colobus vellerosus), also known as ursine colobus, white-thighed black-and-white colobus, and Geoffroy’s black-and-white colobus, is a species of primate in the Cercopithecidae family.
- It is found in Benin, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria, Togo, and southern Burkina Faso. Its natural habitat is tropical or subtropical moist lowland forests.
- White-thighed colobus monkeys have muscular bodies covered in long, glossy black fur except for their silvery thighs.
- Their black faces are elongated with two prominent eyes, a flat nose, and thin black lips. Black ears rest on its head.
- White hair frames the face, making this monkey look like a sage. The white fur band over the eyes is shaped differently in each monkey. It is a helpful feature for identifying individuals in a group.
- Its hands are perfectly articulated, with an underdeveloped thumb, long fingers, and shiny black nails. Their feet have long toes and an opposable “big toe“.
- Rump calluses are common in white-thighed colobus monkeys and provide a cushion for perching on hard branches.
- Its long, slightly bushy white tail is helpful for balance in trees. Babies are born entirely white except for the face, ears, and fingers. They switch to adult coloring after 3 to 4 months.
