Monkey, De Brazza’s
Share:
Description
De Brazza’s monkeys are highly sexually dimorphic with the males nearly doubling the size of the females. They are easily identified by their seemingly well-trimmed white beard on a black face topped by a reddish-orange crescent. Most of the body of a De Brazza’s monkey is coated by olive grey fur with black hair reaching across each appendage. Like many Old World monkeys, they can often be seen storing food in their check pouches much the same as squirrels and chipmunks.
Classification
- Class
- Mammalia
- Order
- Primates
- Family
- Cercopithecidae
- Genus
- Cercopithecus
- Species
- C. neglectus
- Conservation Status
- Least Concern
Key Facts
- Height
- 15-25 in (~40-63 cm)
- Weight
- 8-15 lb (~4-7 kg)
The IUCN Red List describes Cercopithecus neglectus as a species of Least Concern. Though not currently endangered, these monkeys face threats from poaching and trapping for bush meat, pet trades, or as agricultural pests. Some populations also show decline due to deforestation for agricultural land or timber.
Social Life
Primarily a diurnal species, these monkeys can be found in many facets of their habitat. Living a generalized lifestyle allows them to forage throughout the whole range of the environment. The De Brazza’s have been observed in a variety of group sizes from a high of up to 35 individuals, to an average of 4-10, and even in monogamous pairs. These groups are maintained by a dominant male who will threaten others by yawning to show his impressive canine teeth.
Habitat and Range
De Brazza’s monkeys live throughout central Africa thriving in lush, wetland forests, never straying too far from water.
Diet
Considered omnivores and opportunists, De Brazza’s monkeys can be found either foraging or hunting for a wide range of resources. Like many monkeys, De Brazza’s can often be seen scouting for fruit but will also commonly eat seeds, leaves, flowers, soil, mushrooms, insects and lizards. This broadened diet allows them to thrive year-round by eating whatever is in season.
Lifespan
De Brazza’s monkeys typically live 20-25 years in the wild and have been known to live 30 or more years in captivity.
Predators
Common predators include chimpanzees, leopards, raptors, and large snakes.
Reproduction
Sexual maturity: Male: 6-8 years, Female: 5-6 years
Mating Season: Typically February to March
Birth Season: Typically births are timed for the offspring to wean during times of greatest resource abundance.
Gestation: 5-6 months
No. of Young: Typically 1 but occasionally twins
- Information
-
Description
De Brazza’s monkeys are highly sexually dimorphic with the males nearly doubling the size of the females. They are easily identified by their seemingly well-trimmed white beard on a black face topped by a reddish-orange crescent. Most of the body of a De Brazza’s monkey is coated by olive grey fur with black hair reaching across each appendage. Like many Old World monkeys, they can often be seen storing food in their check pouches much the same as squirrels and chipmunks.
Classification
- Class
- Mammalia
- Order
- Primates
- Family
- Cercopithecidae
- Genus
- Cercopithecus
- Species
- C. neglectus
- Conservation Status
- Least Concern
Key Facts
- Height
- 15-25 in (~40-63 cm)
- Weight
- 8-15 lb (~4-7 kg)
- Conservation
The IUCN Red List describes Cercopithecus neglectus as a species of Least Concern. Though not currently endangered, these monkeys face threats from poaching and trapping for bush meat, pet trades, or as agricultural pests. Some populations also show decline due to deforestation for agricultural land or timber.
- Lifestyle
Social Life
Primarily a diurnal species, these monkeys can be found in many facets of their habitat. Living a generalized lifestyle allows them to forage throughout the whole range of the environment. The De Brazza’s have been observed in a variety of group sizes from a high of up to 35 individuals, to an average of 4-10, and even in monogamous pairs. These groups are maintained by a dominant male who will threaten others by yawning to show his impressive canine teeth.Habitat and Range
De Brazza’s monkeys live throughout central Africa thriving in lush, wetland forests, never straying too far from water.Diet
Considered omnivores and opportunists, De Brazza’s monkeys can be found either foraging or hunting for a wide range of resources. Like many monkeys, De Brazza’s can often be seen scouting for fruit but will also commonly eat seeds, leaves, flowers, soil, mushrooms, insects and lizards. This broadened diet allows them to thrive year-round by eating whatever is in season.Lifespan
De Brazza’s monkeys typically live 20-25 years in the wild and have been known to live 30 or more years in captivity.Predators
Common predators include chimpanzees, leopards, raptors, and large snakes.Reproduction
Sexual maturity: Male: 6-8 years, Female: 5-6 years
Mating Season: Typically February to March
Birth Season: Typically births are timed for the offspring to wean during times of greatest resource abundance.
Gestation: 5-6 months
No. of Young: Typically 1 but occasionally twins