SCHMIDT'S RED-TAILED GUENON
Cercopithecus ascanius schmidti
DESCRIPTION
Schmidt's Red-tailed Guenon (Cercopithecus ascanius schmidti) is a striking primate known for its vibrant coloration and agile movements. This species exhibits a distinctive red tail and a mix of greenish and gray fur, which helps it blend into its forested habitat. Socially, they are active and playful, often seen leaping through the trees in small groups, showcasing their acrobatic skills.
FUN FACTS
- Schmidt's Red-tailed Guenon is known for its impressive agility, capable of leaping distances of up to 10 meters between branches
- Additionally, they have a complex social structure, often forming strong bonds within their groups, which helps them thrive in their natural habitat
QUICK INFO
Lifespan15-20 years in the wild, up to 25 in captivity
Average Weight4-8 kg
Average Length50-70 cm
Diet TypeOmnivore
Social StructureThey live in groups, typically consisting of several females and their offspring, with a few males.
Activity PatternDiurnal
Breeding SeasonYear-round, with peaks depending on local conditions
- Habitat
- Schmidt's Red-tailed Guenon inhabits dense tropical rainforests, where they are well-adapted to an arboreal lifestyle. They prefer areas with abundant foliage for foraging and nesting.
- Biomes
- Tropical Rainforest
- Native Range
- This species is native to the central and western regions of Africa.
- Continent
- Africa
- Countries
- Cameroon, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo
- Diet
- They primarily consume fruits, leaves, and seeds, supplemented by insects when available.
- Diet Type
- Omnivore
- Favorite Food
- fruits, leaves
- Social Structure
- They live in groups, typically consisting of several females and their offspring, with a few males.
- Activity Pattern
- Diurnal
- Group Size
- 5-15
- Territorial
- 1
VU
LC
4-8 kg
Weight
50-70 cm
Length
- Coloration
- They have a mix of gray and green fur with a distinctive red tail.
- Sexual Dimorphism
- Males are generally larger than females.
- Lifespan
- 15-20 years in the wild, up to 25 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, as well as hunting for bushmeat.
- Predators
- Large birds of prey, snakes, and occasionally larger mammals may pose threats to young guenons.
- Defense Mechanisms
- They use vocalizations to alert others of danger and can quickly escape into the trees.
- Found in Zoos
- Uncommon