RED TAILED MONKEY
Cercopithecus ascanius
DESCRIPTION
The Red Tailed Monkey, also known as the Allen's Swamp Monkey, is a medium-sized primate characterized by its distinctive reddish-brown tail and face. It has a robust body with a short, rounded muzzle and a coat that varies from gray to brown, with lighter underparts. These monkeys are known for their playful behavior and social structures, often seen leaping through the trees in their forest habitats.
FUN FACTS
- Red Tailed Monkeys are known for their acrobatic skills, often seen swinging and leaping between branches with ease
- They have a unique social structure where grooming plays a crucial role in maintaining relationships within the group, helping to reduce tension and strengthen bonds.| These monkeys have a diverse vocal repertoire, which includes alarm calls and social sounds that help them communicate effectively with one another
- Their playful nature often leads to entertaining interactions, making them a favorite among zoo visitors
QUICK INFO
Lifespan15-20 years in the wild, up to 30 in captivity
Average Weight5-10 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 local conditions
- Habitat
- Red Tailed Monkeys inhabit tropical rainforests and swamp forests, where they are often found in the canopy. They prefer areas with abundant fruiting trees and dense vegetation for foraging and nesting.
- Biomes
- Tropical Rainforest, Swamp Forest
- Native Range
- They are native to the central and western regions of Africa, particularly in countries near the Congo River Basin.
- Continent
- Africa
- Countries
- Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi
- Diet
- Red Tailed Monkeys primarily consume fruits, leaves, and flowers, but they also eat insects and small animals occasionally. Their diet is diverse, allowing them to adapt to varying food availability in their environment.
- Diet Type
- Omnivore
- Favorite Food
- Fruits and 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
VU
LC
5-10 kg
Weight
50-70 cm
Length
- Coloration
- Reddish-brown tail and face with grayish-brown body fur.
- Sexual Dimorphism
- Males are generally larger than females.
- Lifespan
- 15-20 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 habitat loss poses a potential threat.
- Wild Population Estimate
- Unknown
- Population Trend
- Stable
- Endangered
- 0
- Threats
- Main threats include habitat destruction due to logging and agricultural expansion. Additionally, hunting for bushmeat poses a risk to their populations.
- Predators
- Leopards, large birds of prey, and snakes.
- Defense Mechanisms
- They use vocalizations to alert the group of potential threats and can flee quickly into the trees.
- Compatible Animals
- Other primates such as Colobus Monkeys, various bird species
- Found in Zoos
- Uncommon