First international Colobine Monkey Day
What day?...
Colobine monkeys are medium-sized monkeys that live in the treetops in Africa and Asia.
And what do they do?
The special thing about Colobine monkeys is that they have a multi-chambered stomach colonized by cellulose-degrading bacteria, which they can use to digest leaves and seeds. This is why they are also called “leaf monkeys”.
And why the fuss?
Many of the 83 known species of Colobine monkeys are threatened with extinction, for example the Tonkin snub-nosed monkey and the Delacour's langur.
And why do you want to save them? Aren't there much more spectacular species that are threatened with extinction? Rhinos, gorillas, elephants, lions and the like?
Christian Roos, scientist at the German Primate Center: “Many of the endangered Colobine monkey species have remaining populations of only a few hundred animals; in the case of the Cat Ba Langur, there are even fewer than 100 animals. Other endangered species usually have several thousand animals left. Accordingly, without strict conservation measures, some Colobine monkey species will have disappeared in just a few years. And that would be a great loss in many respects. Colobine monkeys are usually very brightly colored and some species are considered sacred in their cultures. The animals have adapted very well to their habitats. For example, some species can absorb high concentrations of calcium through their food, an important prerequisite for survival in barren limestone areas. Other species can even drink salt water.”