De Brazza's Monkey

Schientific name: Ceropithecus neglectus

Continent: De Brazza monkeys live throughout equatorial Africa and range from Cameroon to Uganda and Angola, Kenya, Ethiopia and Sudan

Diet: As with other species of guenon, in the wild De Brazza monkeys mainly feed on fruits and seeds but they also eat leaves, insects, spiders, flowers, fungi and small reptiles

Habitats: Known as swamp monkeys, they primarily live in flooded forests and swamps but they have also been found in bamboo and dry mountain forests near rivers and streams. They are both arboreal (tree dwelling) and terrestrial (ground dwelling)

Conservation status: The De Brazza's monkey is hunted by leopards, crested eagles and pythons and while not critically endangered, as with most other species, human intrusion into their natural habitats is proving detrimental as primary habitats are becoming fragmented. They have a low fertility rate and a high rate of infant mortality, which makes it difficult for them to respond to threats on the population

Although De Brazza's have a vocal sack which can inflate to make booming calls, unlike other primates, De Brazza’s do not use group or social warning calls. They take real pride in their appearance and spend a lot of time grooming each other, which is a key part of their social behaviour and communication.