Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Primates
- Family
- Cercopithecidae
- Genus
- Cercopithecus
Habitat
Preuss' monkeys primarily inhabit lowland and montane rainforests in West Africa, including regions in Cameroon, Nigeria, and Equatorial Guinea. They prefer dense forest canopies and areas with abundant fruit trees, typically at elevations from 200 to 1,500 meters.
Diet
Preuss' monkeys mainly feed on fruits, leaves, and seeds, with insects making up a smaller portion of their diet. They forage in the treetops during the day, often in groups, and show a preference for ripe fruits when available.
Behavior
Preuss' monkeys live in social groups of 10-30 individuals, typically led by a dominant male, and communicate through vocalizations and facial expressions. They are diurnal and arboreal, spending most of their time in trees to avoid ground predators, and exhibit territorial behavior by defending their home ranges with alarm calls. Males may engage in aggressive displays to maintain hierarchy within the group.
Conservation Status
The IUCN classifies Preuss' monkey as Endangered, with populations declining due to habitat loss from deforestation and hunting for bushmeat.