RED-BELLIED GUENON
Cercopithecus erythrogaster
DESCRIPTION
Red-bellied Guenon (Cercopithecus erythrogaster) is a medium-sized primate known for its distinctive reddish-brown belly and contrasting dark fur on the rest of its body. This species is highly social, often found in groups that exhibit complex social structures and behaviors. They are agile climbers, spending much of their time in trees, where they forage for food and evade predators.
FUN FACTS
- Red-bellied Guenons are known for their expressive faces and vocalizations, which they use to communicate a variety of emotions and warnings
- They have a unique social structure that allows them to maintain strong bonds within their groups, often seen grooming each other to reinforce these relationships
- | These monkeys are highly adaptable and can thrive in both primary and secondary forests, showcasing their resilience in changing environments
- Their diet is diverse, allowing them to exploit various food sources, which is crucial for their survival in the wild
QUICK INFO
Lifespan15-20 years in the wild, up to 25 years in captivi
Average Weight4-8 kg
Average Length50-70 cm
Diet TypeOmnivore
Social StructureThey live in groups, typically consisting of 10-30 individuals, with a matriarchal structure.
Activity PatternDiurnal
Breeding SeasonYear-round, with peaks depending on the region
- Habitat
- Red-bellied Guenons inhabit tropical and subtropical forests, often favoring areas with dense canopy cover. They are also found in secondary forests and forest edges.
- Biomes
- Tropical Rainforest, Subtropical Forest
- Native Range
- This species is native to the western and central regions of Africa.
- Continent
- Africa
- Countries
- Ghana, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Nigeria, Cameroon
- Diet
- They primarily eat fruits, leaves, and seeds, but will also consume insects and small animals when available.
- Diet Type
- Omnivore
- Favorite Food
- fruits, leaves
- Social Structure
- They live in groups, typically consisting of 10-30 individuals, with a matriarchal structure.
- Activity Pattern
- Diurnal
- Group Size
- 10-30
- Territorial
- 1
VU
LC
VU
4-8 kg
Weight
50-70 cm
Length
- Coloration
- They have a dark brown to black fur with a distinctive reddish-brown belly.
- Sexual Dimorphism
- Males are generally larger than females.
- Lifespan
- 15-20 years in the wild, up to 25 years in captivi
- Gestation Period
- 165 days
- Offspring per Birth
- 1
- Sexual Maturity
- 3-4 years
- Breeding Season
- Year-round, with peaks depending on the region
LC
Least Concern
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The population is currently stable, but habitat loss poses a potential threat.
- Wild Population Estimate
- Unknown, but considered stable
- Population Trend
- Stable
- Endangered
- 0
- Threats
- Main threats include habitat destruction due to logging and agricultural expansion, as well as hunting for bushmeat.
- Predators
- Large birds of prey, snakes, and occasionally leopards.
- Defense Mechanisms
- They use vocalizations to alert others of danger and can flee quickly into the trees.
- Compatible Animals
- Other guenon species, various small primates
- Found in Zoos
- Uncommon