CRESTED MANGABEY
Cercocebus atys
DESCRIPTION
The Crested Mangabey is a medium-sized primate known for its distinctive crest of hair on its head. It is primarily found in the forests of West Africa and is recognized for its social behavior and vocalizations.
FUN FACTS
- Crested Mangabeys are known for their playful nature | They have a unique vocalization system that includes a variety of calls | Their social structure is matriarchal, with females often leading the group
QUICK INFO
Lifespan20-25 years in the wild, up to 30 in captivity
Average Weight8-12 kg
Average Length50-70 cm
Diet TypeOmnivore
Social Structuregroup — they live in social groups that can range from 10 to 30 individuals.
Activity PatternDiurnal
Breeding SeasonYear-round, with peaks depending on local conditions
- Habitat
- They inhabit tropical rainforests and dense woodlands, often near water sources. These environments provide ample food and shelter for their social groups.
- Biomes
- Tropical Rainforest
- Native Range
- West Africa, primarily in countries like Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia.
- Continent
- Africa
- Countries
- Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia
- Diet
- Crested Mangabeys are omnivorous, feeding on a variety of fruits, seeds, and insects. They are known to forage in trees and on the ground for food.
- Diet Type
- Omnivore
- Favorite Food
- fruits, seeds, insects
- Social Structure
- group — they live in social groups that can range from 10 to 30 individuals.
- Activity Pattern
- Diurnal
- Group Size
- 10-30
- Territorial
- 1
VU
LC
8-12 kg
Weight
50-70 cm
Length
- Coloration
- They have a dark brown to black fur with a lighter face and a distinctive crest of hair.
- Sexual Dimorphism
- Males are generally larger than females.
- Lifespan
- 20-25 years in the wild, up to 30 in captivity
- Gestation Period
- 165 days
- Offspring per Birth
- 1
- Sexual Maturity
- 3-4 years
- Breeding Season
- Year-round, with peaks depending on local conditions
LC
Least Concern
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The population is currently stable but faces threats from habitat loss.
- Wild Population Estimate
- Unknown, but considered to be in the thousands.
- Population Trend
- Stable
- Endangered
- 0
- Threats
- Main threats include habitat destruction due to logging and agriculture, as well as hunting. These factors have led to localized declines in some areas.
- Predators
- Large birds of prey and snakes
- Defense Mechanisms
- They use vocalizations to warn of predators and can flee quickly into trees.
- Found in Zoos
- Uncommon