Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Primates
- Family
- Cercopithecidae
- Genus
- Lophocebus
Habitat
Johnston's monkeys primarily inhabit tropical rainforests and montane forests in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. They prefer dense canopies with plenty of fruiting trees, avoiding open areas and staying at elevations up to 2,500 meters.
Diet
They are omnivorous, feeding mainly on fruits, seeds, and leaves, supplemented by insects, flowers, and occasionally small vertebrates like lizards. Feeding occurs primarily in the early morning and late afternoon, with troops foraging together in the forest canopy. They use their hands to manipulate food and store items in cheek pouches.
Behavior
Johnston's monkeys live in social troops of 10-30 individuals, led by a dominant male, with complex hierarchies and grooming behaviors to maintain bonds. They are diurnal and arboreal, spending most of their time in trees, and exhibit territorial calls to defend their range. Males may engage in aggressive displays like branch shaking during conflicts, while females play a key role in group cohesion.
Conservation Status
IUCN status is Vulnerable due to habitat loss from deforestation and agriculture, with populations declining rapidly in fragmented forests. Major threats include hunting for bushmeat and human encroachment.