DIANA MONKEY
DESCRIPTION
The Diana monkey (Cercopithecus diana) is a medium-sized primate known for its striking appearance and social behavior. It is characterized by its distinctive facial markings and long limbs, which aid in its arboreal lifestyle.
FUN FACTS
- Diana monkeys are known for their expressive faces and vocal communication | They have a unique social structure with strong maternal bonds | Their striking appearance makes them a favorite among primate enthusiasts
QUICK INFO
Lifespan20-25 years in the wild, up to 30 in captivity
Average Weight5-10 kg
Average Length50-70 cm
Diet TypeOmnivore
Social Structuregroup — typically matriarchal groups with a dominant female
Activity PatternDiurnal
Breeding SeasonYear-round, with peaks depending on the region
- Habitat
- Diana monkeys inhabit dense tropical rainforests and secondary forests. They are highly arboreal, spending most of their time in the trees.
- Biomes
- Tropical Rainforest
- Native Range
- West Africa, primarily in the coastal regions
- Continent
- Africa
- Countries
- Ghana, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Sierra Leone
- Diet
- Diana monkeys primarily eat fruits, leaves, and flowers, supplemented by seeds and insects. They are known to forage in the canopy of their forest habitats.
- Diet Type
- Omnivore
- Favorite Food
- fruits, leaves
- Social Structure
- group — typically matriarchal groups with a dominant female
- Activity Pattern
- Diurnal
- Group Size
- 5-30
- Territorial
- 1
VU
LC
5-10 kg
Weight
50-70 cm
Length
- Coloration
- dark brown to black fur with white facial markings and a distinctive white throat patch
- 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 the region
EN
Endangered
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The population is currently declining due to habitat loss and hunting.
- Wild Population Estimate
- unknown
- Population Trend
- Decreasing
- Endangered
- 1
- Threats
- Main threats include habitat destruction due to logging and agriculture, as well as hunting for bushmeat. These factors have significantly impacted their populations.
- Predators
- large birds of prey, snakes
- Defense Mechanisms
- Diana monkeys use vocalizations to alert others of danger and may flee to higher branches to escape predators.
- Found in Zoos
- Uncommon