Dolichopithecus (SciiFii)

The European colobus (Dolichopithecus europeansis) is a species of colobine monkey that originally lived in Europe during the Pliocene and Pleistocene and was once extinct, but has since been brought back from extinction by SciiFii and reintroduced throughout the swamps, forests, and open woodlands across Europe to help boost biodiversity. The European colobus is an average-sized Old World monkey species, growing to be about 62 centimeters (24 inches), a tail longer than the body, and a weight of about 12 kg (26 lb). It is very similar in appearance to colobus monkeys of Africa, but with a more dull fur color and, due to Europe's less dense forest environments, a slightly shorter tail as the European colobus is more of a ground dweller than its relatives of Africa. It also has a similar build and ecological niche to the Asian langurs (Semnopithecus) and snub-nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus), being mostly a folivore like other colobine monkeys, feeding primarily on leaves, fruits and flowers, supplemented by insects, gum and soil. These monkeys live in groups in forested habitats and other rural habitats, with some groups being habituated to human contact and feeding, and sleeping at night high in a tree. The food is mostly gathered from trees and shrubs, but grasses and small herbs are also eaten. A range of other foods are also eaten such as cultivated plants, tubers and roots. The monkeys are often fed by humans and accept cakes, millet, and other foods. The diet varies according to the time of year and food availability. In some areas, cattle and deer will stand under trees where the European colobus are feeding and consume the edible pieces that they drop. The monkeys are preyed on by leopards, tigers, wolves, and dholes, and they sometimes mob snakes. Groups may consist of a mature male with several females and their offspring of different ages; or they may be larger mixed-sex groups, or groups of different sizes formed entirely of males. Females often remain permanently in their natal group while males change groups more often. The dominant male in a mixed-sex group fathers all or most of the young. The incidence of infanticide is high and dominant females are more likely to raise their young successfully. The gestation period is about two hundred days and weaning takes place at about thirteen months. Females are sociable towards each other and much infant care is provided by females other than the mother. The European colobus can live for about thirty years. The conservation status of the European colobus is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the European colobus' wide range and its tolerance to most of the human activities, including being able to adapt to life in the cities and suburbs.
Category:Animals
Category:Species
Category:SciiFii