A brindled colobus monkey, in which the females have the unusual habit of carrying their young in their mouth.

Statistics
43-49cm long with a 57-64cm long tail, weighing 2.9-5.7kg.

Physical description
A lightly-built monkey with greyish-orange grizzled fur, greyer towards the hands and feet and a paler belly. The head has a crest of hair down the centre, and whorls of hair on either side. The fore and hind limbs are similar in length, and the thumb is very small.

Distribution
Sierra Leone to south-western Togo and central Nigeria, south of the Benue River.

Habitat
Forest and abandoned agricultural areas.

Diet
Young leaves, fruit and seeds.

Behaviour
The typical group size is 10-18, and the sexes are mixed. The home range is about 74 acres, and much of the time is spent seeking food because of the low-energy diet. Social interaction is minimised.

Reproduction
Females solicit mating from males, and this can take place at any time of year, although there is a peak of births when food is most available. A single youngster is born, with fur and open eyes. The mother, uniquely, carries it in her mouth rather than letting it cling to her belly. Other females in the group frequently handle and suckle the youngster. Adulthood is reached between 6-10 months, and sexual maturity is at about 4 years of age.

Conservation status
Lower Risk - near threatened.