LEAST CONCERN
DE BRAZZA'S MONKEY
CERCOPITHECUS NEGLECTUS
De Brazza's Monkeys are native to the wetlands and forests of Central Africa. With its unique white mustache and orange-brown fur, it stands out among other monkey species. These social animals are often seen in small family groups, where they forage for leaves, fruits and insects in the morning and evening.
When frightened, they opt to freeze, hide, and wait for the danger to pass. However, if pressed, these guenons will make booming vocalizations and violently shake branches if a predator or stranger comes too close.
The family of De Brazza's Monkeys who call Fife Zoo home are part of the European Ex Situ Programme (EEP).
HABITAT
De Brazza's monkeys inhabit the wetland, swamp, and riparian forests of Central Africa, stretching from Cameroon to Ethiopia and Angola.
These territorial, arboreal primates prefer dense, humid forests and are rarely found more than 1 mile from water sources.
DIET
As omnivores, De Brazza’s monkeys enjoy a diversified diet provided by their rainforest habitat.
Their sharp teeth allow them to pierce through ripe fruits, seeds, herbaceous plants, mushrooms, beetles, termites, small reptiles, and flowers.
BEHAVIOUR
De Brazza's monkeys are good swimmers. They are highly territorial and often communicate non-verbally, using eye contact, facial expression, and body language.
When frightened, they freeze, hide, and wait for the danger to pass. However, if pressed, these guenons will make booming vocalizations and violently shake branches if a predator or stranger comes too close.
THREATS
De Brazza's monkeys are Least Concern on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species.
Habitat loss is a major threat to these primates, due to deforestation, agriculture, and logging. They are also heavily targeted by the bushmeat trade and killed as agricultural pests, particularly in Central Eastern Africa.