Outforia Quicktake: Key Takeaways
- De Brazza’s Monkey, an Old World monkey native to Central Africa, is recognized by its unique physical characteristics, such as a white beard, white markings around the eyes, and an orange crown-like marking on the forehead.
- The species demonstrates noticeable sexual dimorphism, with males being significantly larger than females, and is the most sexually dimorphic among all guenon species.
- The primate thrives in a variety of habitats, including swamp forests, riverine forests, and montane forests, often residing in close proximity to water sources.
- They are territorial, using calls to communicate within their group and discourage potential intruders, and their social structure is founded on strong pair-bonding relationships.
- Although currently classified as “Least Concerned” for conservation status, they face threats from habitat destruction and the bushmeat trade.
De Brazza’s monkey is an Old World monkey native to the riverine and swamp forests of central Africa.
Its scientific name is Cercopithecus neglectus. This Old World monkey is part of the guenon family, which includes various other species of guenons.
The guenon family is known for its diverse and colorful members, each with unique physical characteristics and behaviors.
This primate is also one of the most widespread arboreal African primates. Want to know what else sets these monkeys apart from others?

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Appearance and Physical Characteristics

These monkeys have a noticeable sexual dimorphism. In fact, out of all guenon species, this species is the most sexually dimorphic. Males are way bigger, weighing around 15 lb (7 kg), while females weigh about 8.8 lb (4 kg).
Distinctive Features
Their fur is predominantly grey with a reddish-brown back, black limbs, and a white rump. An orange diadem, or crown-like marking, highlights their forehead, setting them apart from other swamp monkeys.
You can also identify a De Brazza’s monkey by its facial features. For instance, it has a white beard and white markings around the eyes that match its white muzzle. Notably, the adult males have a blue scrotum, which is another unique characteristic of this species.
Additionally, they’re known for their white stripes, which run down their extremities.
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Habitat and Geographical Distribution

This species is widely distributed throughout Central Africa.
You can find them in countries such as Angola, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, the Congo, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Kenya, South Sudan, Nigeria, and Uganda.
There have been unconfirmed reports of their presence in Tanzania as well. They primarily inhabit forests near rivers and swamps but can also be found in bamboo forests and mountain forest regions.
Climate Zones and Biomes
These monkeys are highly adaptable and can thrive in a variety of climate zones. They typically reside in both moist and dry forests, depending on the availability of resources in their chosen region.
Their main habitat preferences include swamp forests, riverine forests, and montane forests.
Riverine forests offer them abundant food sources and easy access to water, while swamps provide natural protection from predators.
Montane forests, on the other hand, have cooler temperatures and higher elevations, which also offer safety from predators and allow the monkeys to forage for food in peace.
You will often spot them residing in close proximity to water sources, as it is essential for their survival.
Behavior and Lifestyle

These monkeys are known to be territorial, using calls to communicate with others in their group and to ward off potential intruders. These calls play a crucial role in maintaining their social structure and managing conflicts.
Pair-bonding is an essential aspect of their lifestyle. This bonding allows them to form strong relationships that foster group cohesion and cooperation.
While observing these monkeys, you might notice them grooming each other, a clear sign of their close-knit social structure.
De Brazza’s monkeys also display a unique blend of arboreal, terrestrial, and aquatic movements.
They live in the lower canopy of the forest, concealed within dense vegetation, and descend to forage on forest floors twice a day, typically in the morning and evening.
Diet and Nutrition

They have a diverse and omnivorous diet, allowing them to adapt well to their environment. They mainly forage for herbaceous plants and fruits, which make up a large portion of their nourishment.
In addition to these primary food sources, these monkeys also consume leaves, flowers, and mushrooms.
Occasionally, they may supplement their diet with various insects and worms. Some of their go-to fauna include beetles, termites, and other small critters they find on the forest floor.
As they search for food, they may also come across seeds, which they’ll gladly add to their meal.
To satisfy their nutritional needs, De Brazza’s monkeys employ their sharp senses and versatile foraging skills. They adeptly search for food both on the ground and high up in the trees, ensuring that they take advantage of all available resources.
Reproduction and Life Cycle

When it comes to their reproduction, both females and males participate in the mating process.
These monkeys usually reproduce during the wet season, taking advantage of the abundant food resources. As a result, the breeding season generally lasts from November to February.
Males compete aggressively to win over females for mating. A male will display signs of interest, such as grooming, to attract a female.
Females, on the other hand, also put effort to attract the attention of males. Pairs are formed temporarily, and they may even switch partners during the breeding season.
Lifespan
The reproductive maturity of a female is reached at around 5 years of age, while it may vary in males.
The gestation period lasts approximately 5 months, with the mother typically giving birth to a single infant. Twins are relatively rare, but they do occur occasionally.
Right after birth, the infant is carried by the mother on her back and grows quickly. Within a few months, they start exploring on their own, often venturing on the ground as these primates are terrestrial creatures.
Young monkeys are known to be adventurous and curious. They are even capable swimmers, which helps them avoid predators and access additional food sources.
As infants grow, they gradually learn to fend for themselves and find their place within the social hierarchy.
The average lifespan of De Brazza’s monkeys in the wild is around 22 years. In captivity, they can live a little longer, reaching up to 25 years.
Males generally have a shorter lifespan than females due to the stress of competition and the need to defend their group from rival males.
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Evolution and History

This monkey’s origins can be traced back to the guenon family, which is comprised of a diverse group of African primates.
Guenons have undergone significant evolutionary changes to adapt to varying habitats in Africa, from rainforests to savannas. As a result, you’ll find them in various habitats, particularly in riverine and swamp forests of central Africa.
One distinguishing feature of De Brazza’s monkey is its vibrant coloration. Their speckled yellow-gray fur, white beard, and orange diadem set them apart from other cercopithecus monkeys.
This unique appearance is a product of their evolutionary journey and has allowed them to blend into their environments, enhancing their ability to evade predators and increasing their chances of survival.
Over time, they have developed remarkable dietary adaptations. Their diet primarily consists of fruits, plants, and insects.
This diverse diet has allowed them to thrive in various ecological conditions, making them one of the most widespread arboreal African primates.
Ecological Role and Importance

As arboreal creatures, they primarily dwell in forests, swamps, and seasonally flooded areas near rivers. Their presence influences these ecosystems in various ways.
Firstly, these monkeys serve as seed dispersers, aiding in plant propagation. They consume a variety of fruits and seeds, which pass through their digestive system and are then deposited throughout their range.
This process helps spread plants across the landscape and maintain the rich biodiversity found in these regions.
Secondly, De Brazza’s monkeys are a crucial food source for several predators. As medium-sized primates, they provide sustenance for a range of carnivorous animals such as eagles, large snakes, and leopards.
By serving as prey, they contribute to a balanced food chain and benefit the overall health of their ecosystems.
Natural Predators

They face various threats and predators in their natural habitat.
One of their primary predators is the crowned eagle, a powerful bird capable of swooping down and attacking in a blink of an eye. To avoid being a victim, they find shelter in the dense vegetation.
Another significant predator they need to be cautious of is the leopard. These stealthy and skillful hunters can climb trees to ambush them.
Unfortunately, humans also pose a threat to their survival. They can hunt you for bushmeat, and habitat loss due to agriculture and deforestation adds more pressure to their well-being.
On rare occasions, some other predators like dogs and pythons may also target younger members of the monkeys’ group.
Conservation Status and Efforts

This species is currently classified as Least Concern, which implies that their population is stable and not facing any immediate threats to their survival.
However, it’s important not to become complacent, since their long-term preservation calls for ongoing monitoring and conservation efforts.
One crucial approach is the preservation of their natural rainforest habitat, which stretches across central Africa, Ethiopia, and western Kenya.
In addition to habitat conservation, researchers dedicate their efforts to studying the life and behavior of De Brazza’s monkeys.
By deepening the understanding of their needs and preferences, the scientific community can better inform the development of conservation strategies.
Population Threats

Habitat destruction is one of the major concerns for monkey populations. As an arboreal primate, they rely on forests to survive.
Unfortunately, deforestation due to logging, agriculture, and human settlement poses a significant threat to their homes.
Another issue confronting De Brazza’s monkey is the bushmeat trade. While they are not specifically targeted for bushmeat, they may still fall victim to hunters’ traps, which are aimed at other wildlife in their habitat.
This results in a detrimental impact on their population, causing a reduction in their numbers over time.
Additionally, climate change may negatively affect their population.
As changes in temperature and precipitation patterns occur, the availability of their preferred habitats and food resources could shift, forcing them to adapt and possibly putting them at risk.
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Fun Facts About De Brazza’s Monkey

It’s named after a 19th century explorer.
This monkey is named after the Italian-French explorer Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza, who played a significant role in the colonization of Central Africa during the late 19th century.
The monkey was named in his honor because it was discovered and described by French naturalist Émile Blanc in 1887, during one of de Brazza’s expeditions in Africa. It’s a unique example of an animal species named after a human explorer.
They’re called “swamp monkeys.”
De Brazza’s monkey is also known as “swamp monkey” since they are commonly found in wetlands across Central Africa.
They prefer habitats near streams or rivers, making it easier for them to find food and water. These monkeys often rely on their agility and excellent climbing skills to elude predators.
They store food in their cheeks.
When it comes to eating, their cheek pouches play a crucial role. They can store food in these pouches, allowing them to continue foraging without having to stop and eat continuously.
De Brazza’s Monkey Frequently Asked Questions

Are De Brazza’s monkeys endangered?
These monkeys are currently listed as Least Concern when it comes to their conservation status. They are not considered endangered, but their populations still require monitoring and conservation efforts.
What are some unique adaptations of De Brazza’s monkeys?
They live in small groups of 4-10 animals and have developed a unique way to establish their territory. Males can be heard early in the morning making ‘booming’ calls to communicate their territorial boundaries.
How do De Brazza’s monkeys communicate?
They use various vocalizations and body language for communication. Besides the booming calls used by males, they also use grooming as a way to strengthen social bonds.