DE BRAZZA'S MONKEY
Cercopithecus neglectus
DESCRIPTION
De Brazza's monkey is a medium-sized primate known for its distinctive facial markings and long, white beard. It is primarily found in the forests and swamps of Central Africa.
FUN FACTS
- De Brazza's monkeys are excellent swimmers | They are named after Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza, an Italian explorer | Their unique facial markings help them recognize each other
QUICK INFO
Lifespan20-30 years in the wild, up to 40 in captivity
Average Weight5-10 kg
Average Length50-70 cm
Diet TypeOmnivore
Social StructureThey live in small groups, typically consisting of a few females and their offspring, along with one or more males.
Activity PatternDiurnal
Breeding SeasonYear-round, with peaks depending on local conditions
- Habitat
- De Brazza's monkeys inhabit dense forests, swamps, and riverine areas. They prefer areas with abundant vegetation for foraging and nesting.
- Biomes
- Tropical Rainforest, Wetland
- Native Range
- Central Africa, particularly in the Congo Basin.
- Continent
- Africa
- Countries
- Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Cameroon, Central African Republic
- Diet
- This species primarily feeds on fruits, leaves, and seeds, but it may also consume insects and small animals. Their diet varies with seasonal availability of food sources.
- Diet Type
- Omnivore
- Favorite Food
- Fruits and leaves
- Social Structure
- They live in small groups, typically consisting of a few females and their offspring, along with one or more males.
- Activity Pattern
- Diurnal
- Group Size
- 5-15
- Territorial
- 1
VU
LC
5-10 kg
Weight
50-70 cm
Length
- Coloration
- They have a grayish-brown body with a distinctive white beard and a crown of white fur on their head.
- Sexual Dimorphism
- Males are generally larger than females.
- Lifespan
- 20-30 years in the wild, up to 40 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
VU
Vulnerable
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The population is currently stable but faces threats from habitat loss.
- Wild Population Estimate
- Unknown, but believed to be decreasing in some areas
- Population Trend
- Decreasing
- Endangered
- 1
- Threats
- Main threats include habitat destruction due to logging and agriculture, as well as hunting for bushmeat.
- Predators
- Large birds of prey and snakes
- Defense Mechanisms
- They use vocalizations and alarm calls to warn others of danger.
- Found in Zoos
- Uncommon