Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Primates
- Family
- Cercopithecidae
- Genus
- Cercopithecus
Habitat
White-throated guenons primarily inhabit lowland rainforests and riverine forests in West Africa, especially in Nigeria and possibly Benin. They prefer dense, tropical environments with tall trees for foraging and shelter, avoiding open areas due to their arboreal nature.
Diet
This species is omnivorous, feeding mainly on fruits, leaves, and flowers, supplemented by insects, small vertebrates, and occasionally bird eggs. They forage in the canopy during the day, using their hands to manipulate food, and often store items in their cheek pouches for later consumption.
Behavior
White-throated guenons live in social groups of 10-30 individuals, typically led by a dominant male, with complex vocalizations for communication. They are diurnal and highly arboreal, spending most of their time in trees, and exhibit territorial behavior by marking boundaries with scents. These monkeys are agile leapers and show playful interactions within groups, but can become aggressive towards outsiders.
Conservation Status
The IUCN classifies the white-throated guenon as Endangered, with populations declining due to habitat destruction from deforestation and hunting for the bushmeat trade. Major threats include fragmentation of rainforest habitats and human encroachment.