Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Primates
- Family
- Cercopithecidae
- Genus
- Cercopithecus
Habitat
Crested mona monkeys primarily inhabit lowland rainforests and secondary forests in West and Central Africa, including countries like Nigeria and Gabon. They prefer dense vegetation with access to rivers and streams for water and food sources. This terrain provides cover from predators and supports their arboreal lifestyle.
Diet
Crested mona monkeys are omnivorous, feeding on fruits, leaves, insects, and occasionally small vertebrates like lizards or bird eggs. They forage in groups during the day, using their cheek pouches to carry food, which allows them to eat efficiently while on the move. Feeding peaks in the early morning and late afternoon when fruits are ripe.
Behavior
Crested mona monkeys live in social groups of 10-30 individuals, typically led by a dominant male, and exhibit strong territorial behaviors defended through vocalizations and displays. They are diurnal and arboreal, spending most of their time in trees, with notable behaviors including grooming to strengthen social bonds and alarm calls to warn of predators. These monkeys are agile climbers and often travel in troops to forage and rest.
Conservation Status
The IUCN status of the crested mona monkey is Least Concern, but populations are decreasing due to habitat loss from deforestation and hunting. Major threats include fragmentation of rainforests and the bushmeat trade in their range.