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This article is about the monkey. For the French metaphysician, see René Guénon.

Guenons[1]
Diana monkey (C. diana)
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Primates
Suborder: Haplorhini
Infraorder: Simiiformes
Family: Cercopithecidae
Subfamily: Cercopithecinae
Tribe: Cercopithecini
Genus: Cercopithecus
Linnaeus, 1758
Type species
Simia diana
Species

See text

The guenons (UK: /ɡəˈnɒnz/, US: /ˈɡwɛn.ənz/) are Old World monkeys of the genus Cercopithecus (/ˌsɜːrkəˈpɪθəkəs/). Not all members of this genus have the word "guenon" in their common names; also, because of changes in scientific classification, some monkeys in other genera may have common names that include the word "guenon". Nonetheless, the use of the term guenon for monkeys of this genus is widely accepted.[citation needed]

All members of the genus are endemic to sub-Saharan Africa, and most are forest monkeys. Many of the species are quite local in their ranges, and some have even more local subspecies. Many are threatened or endangered because of habitat loss. The species currently placed in the genus Chlorocebus, such as vervet monkeys and green monkeys, were formerly considered as a single species in this genus, Cercopithecus aethiops.

In the English language, the word "guenon" is apparently of French origin.[2] In French, guenon was the common name for all species and individuals, both males and females, from the genus Cercopithecus. In all other monkey and apes species, the French word guenon designates only the females.[3] The three species such as the L'hoest's monkey, Preuss's monkey and the sun-tailed monkey were formerly included in the genus and now listed in a different genus Allochrocebus[1][4][5]

Classification

[edit]

The genus name Cercopithecus comes from Ancient Greek κέρκος (kérkos), meaning "tail", and πίθηκος (píthēkos), meaning "ape". It was named by Carl Linnaeus in 1758.

Species list

[edit]
Genus Cercopithecus – Linnaeus, 1758 – nineteen species
Common name Scientific name and subspecies Range Size and ecology IUCN status and estimated population
Blue monkey

Gray monkey

C. mitis
Wolf, 1822

Sixteen subspecies
  • C. m. albogularis (Sykes' monkey)
  • C. m. albotorquatus
  • C. m. boutourlinii (Boutourlini's blue monkey)
  • C. m. doggetti (silver monkey)
  • C. m. erythrarchus
  • C. m. heymansi (Lomami River blue monkey)
  • C. m. kandti (golden monkey)
  • C. m. kolbi
  • C. m. labiatus
  • C. m. manyaraensis
  • C. m. mitis (Pluto monkey)
  • C. m. moloneyi
  • C. m. monoides
  • C. m. opisthostictus
  • C. m. stuhlmanni (Stuhlmann's blue monkey)
  • C. m. zammaranoi
Sub-Saharan Africa
Map of range 		Size: 31–70 cm (12–28 in) long, plus 55–109 cm (22–43 in) tail[6]

Habitat: Forest[7]

Diet: Fruit and leaves, as well as invertebrates[8] 		 LC 


Unknown Population declining[7]

Campbell's mona monkey

ray monkeys

C. campbelli
Waterhouse, 1838 		Western Africa
Map of range 		Size: 36–55 cm (14–22 in) long, plus 49–85 cm (19–33 in) tail[9]

Habitat: Forest, savanna, and shrubland[10]

Diet: Fruit, leaves, seeds and grains, as well as birds, bird eggs, small reptiles, and insects[9] 		 NT 


Unknown Population declining[10]

Crested mona monkey

Brown and white monkey

C. pogonias
Bennett, 1833

Three subspecies
  • C. p. grayi (Gray's crested mona)
  • C. p. nigripes (Black-footed crested mona)
  • C. p. pogonias (Golden-bellied crested mona)
Central Africa
Map of range 		Size: 34–55 cm (13–22 in) long, plus 48–87 cm (19–34 in) tail[11]

Habitat: Forest[12]

Diet: Fruit and seeds, as well as leaves, flowers and insects[12] 		 NT 


Unknown Population declining[12]

De Brazza's monkey

Gray monkey

C. neglectus
Schlegel, 1876 		Central Africa
Map of range 		Size: 39–60 cm (15–24 in) long, plus 47–79 cm (19–31 in) tail[13]

Habitat: Inland wetlands and forest[14]

Diet: Fruit, as well as leaves, flowers, mushrooms, beetles, termites, and worms[15] 		 LC 


Unknown Unknown[14]

Dent's mona monkey

Brown and white monkey

C. denti
Thomas, 1907 		Central Africa
Map of range 		Size: 40–70 cm (16–28 in) long, plus 70–90 cm (28–35 in) tail[16]

Habitat: Forest[17]

Diet: Fruit and arthropods, as well as flowers, caterpillars, shoots, and leaves[17] 		 LC 


Unknown Population declining[17]

Diana monkey

Gray monkey

C. diana
(Linnaeus, 1758) 		Western Africa
Map of range 		Size: 40–55 cm (16–22 in) long, plus 50–75 cm (20–30 in) tail[18]

Habitat: Forest[19]

Diet: Fruit, flowers, leaves, insects, and other invertebrates[18] 		 EN 


Unknown Population declining[19]

Greater spot-nosed monkey

Gray monkey

C. nictitans
(Linnaeus, 1766)

Five subspecies
  • C. n. insolitus
  • C. n. ludio
  • C. n. martini
  • C. n. nictitans
  • C. n. stampflii
Western Africa
Map of range 		Size: 40–57 cm (16–22 in) long, plus 56–100 cm (22–39 in) tail[20]

Habitat: Forest[21]

Diet: Fruits and seeds, as well as leaves and insects[22] 		 NT 


Unknown Population declining[21]

Hamlyn's monkey

Gray monkey

C. hamlyni
Pocock, 1907

Two subspecies
  • C. h. hamlyni
  • C. h. kahuziensis
Central Africa
Map of range 		Size: 43–63 cm (17–25 in) long, plus 49–63 cm (19–25 in) tail[23]

Habitat: Forest[24]

Diet: Shoots, leaves, plants, and herbs, as well as fruit and seeds[25] 		 VU 


Unknown Population declining[24]

Lesser spot-nosed monkey

Gray monkey

C. petaurista
(Schreber, 1774)

Two subspecies
  • C. p. buettikoferi
  • C. p. petaurista
Western Africa
Map of range 		Size: 29–53 cm (11–21 in) long, plus 57–78 cm (22–31 in) tail[26]

Habitat: Forest[27]

Diet: Fruit as well as insects[26] 		 NT 


Unknown Population declining[27]

Lesula

Gray and yellow monkey

C. lomamiensis
Hart et al., 2012 		Central Africa
Map of range 		Size: 40–65 cm (16–26 in) long, plus 40–65 cm (16–26 in) tail[28]

Habitat: Forest[29]

Diet: Leaves, fruits and flowers[30] 		 VU 


Unknown Population declining[29]

Lowe's mona monkey

Gray monkey

C. lowei
Thomas, 1923 		Western Africa (in green)
Map of range 		Size: 36–55 cm (14–22 in) long, plus 54–85 cm (21–33 in) tail[31]

Habitat: Forest and savanna[32]

Diet: Fruit and insects[31] 		 VU 


10,000 Population declining[32]

Mona monkey

Brown and white monkey

C. mona
(Schreber, 1774) 		Western Africa
Map of range 		Size: 32–53 cm (13–21 in) long, plus 67–90 cm (26–35 in) tail[33]

Habitat: Forest[34]

Diet: Fruit, sprouts, leaves, and invertebrates[33] 		 NT 


Unknown Population declining[34]

Moustached guenon

Brown monkey

C. cephus
(Linnaeus, 1758)

Three subspecies
  • C. c. cephodes
  • C. c. cephus
  • C. c. ngottoensis
Western Africa
Map of range 		Size: 44–60 cm (17–24 in) long, plus 66–99 cm (26–39 in) tail[35]

Habitat: Forest[36]

Diet: Fruit, as well as seeds, leaves, insects, and eggs[37] 		 LC 


Unknown Unknown[36]

Red-eared guenon

Gray monkey

C. erythrotis
Waterhouse, 1838

Two subspecies
  • C. e. camerunensis (Cameroon Red-eared Monkey)
  • C. e. erythrotis (Bioko Red-eared Monkey)
Western Africa
Map of range 		Size: 36–55 cm (14–22 in) long, plus 46–77 cm (18–30 in) tail[38]

Habitat: Forest[39]

Diet: Fruit, as well as leaves, shoots and arthropods[39] 		 VU 


Unknown Population declining[39]

Red-tailed monkey

Gray monkey

C. ascanius
(Audebert, 1799)

Five subspecies
  • C. a. ascanius
  • C. a. atrinasus
  • C. a. katangae
  • C. a. schmidti
  • C. a. whitesidei
Central Africa
Map of range 		Size: 34–55 cm (13–22 in) long, plus 67–92 cm (26–36 in) tail[40]

Habitat: Forest[41]

Diet: Fruit, as well as leaves, insects, flowers, buds, and tree gum[42] 		 LC 


Unknown Population declining[41]

Roloway monkey

Gray monkey

C. roloway
(Schreber, 1774) 		Western Africa
Map of range 		Size: 44–62 cm (17–24 in) long, plus 70–91 cm (28–36 in) tail[43]

Habitat: Forest[44]

Diet: Insects, as well as seeds, fruit, and leaves[43] 		 CR 


Unknown Population declining[44]

Sclater's guenon

Gray monkey

C. sclateri
Pocock, 1904 		Western Africa
Map of range 		Size: 32–38 cm (13–15 in) long, plus 61–85 cm (24–33 in) tail[45]

Habitat: Forest[46]

Diet: Fruit, as well as insects, flowers and leaves[47] 		 EN 


Unknown Population declining[46]

White-throated guenon

Gray and brown monkey

C. erythrogaster
Gray, 1866

Two subspecies
  • C. e. erythrogaster (Red-bellied guenon)
  • C. e. pococki (Nigerian white-throated guenon)
Western Africa
Map of range 		Size: 38–46 cm (15–18 in) long, plus 58–70 cm (23–28 in) tail[26]

Habitat: Forest and inland wetlands[48]

Diet: Fruit[48] 		 EN 


Unknown Population declining[48]

Wolf's mona monkey

Gray and brown monkey

C. wolfi
Meyer, 1891

Three subspecies
  • C. w. elegans
  • C. w. pyrogaster
  • C. w. wolfi
Central Africa Size: 44–52 cm (17–20 in) long, plus 69–83 cm (27–33 in) tail[49]

Habitat: Forest[50]

Diet: Fruit, leaves, seeds, and flowers[49] 		 NT 


Unknown Population declining[50]

Hybrids

[edit]

The red-tailed monkey (Cercopithecus ascanius) is known to hybridize with the blue monkey (C. mitis) in several locations in the wild in Africa.[51]

References

[edit]

Sources

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Guenon

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Guenon may also refer to , the French philosopher. Guenon is the common name for the monkeys of the genus Cercopithecus in the family Cercopithecidae (Old World monkeys). There are 26 in this genus, most of which are arboreal inhabitants of forests in , though some species are semi-terrestrial and found in savannas or wetlands. Guenons are characterized by their slim, graceful builds, long arms and legs, short faces, and nonprehensile tails longer than their head and body combined; they often feature bold markings of white, yellow, or other bright colors on their fur. Sexually dimorphic, males are nearly twice the size of females, with adults weighing 3–13 kg depending on the . These diurnal typically live in social groups led by a dominant male, feeding primarily on fruits, leaves, and .

Taxonomy

Classification

Guenons are classified within the kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Mammalia, order Primates, family Cercopithecidae, subfamily Cercopithecinae, tribe , and genus (Linnaeus, 1758). The type species for the genus is Simia diana (now Cercopithecus diana), designated by Stiles and Orleman in 1926. Phylogenetically, guenons belong to the monkeys and are closely related to other cercopithecines, with the tribe diverging approximately 12.3 million years ago. Molecular studies, including mitochondrial and nuclear DNA analyses, generally support the of the core Cercopithecus for arboreal species, though mitochondrial data indicate due to nesting of terrestrial genera like Erythrocebus within it. However, nuclear markers confirm , suggesting incongruences may arise from hybridization or incomplete lineage sorting, while species like those in (vervets) have been separated into a distinct based on genetic . Historical taxonomic revisions have refined the genus boundaries, excluding certain species previously included in Cercopithecus. For instance, Allen's swamp monkey (Allenopithecus nigroviridis) was reclassified into its own genus Allenopithecus due to distinct morphological and genetic traits, such as periodic perineal swelling. Similarly, the sun-tailed guenon (Allochrocebus solatus), along with (A. lhoesti) and Preuss's monkey (A. preussi), has been moved to the genus Allochrocebus following phylogenetic analyses that highlight their terrestrial adaptations and closer relations to other non-Cercopithecus cercopithecines. These changes, informed by works like Groves (1989) and Grubb et al. (2003), emphasize the rapid radiation and adaptive diversity within the tribe.

Etymology and nomenclature

The term "guenon" derives from the French word guenon, which specifically denotes a female or . Borrowed into English in the , it came to refer collectively to the diverse species within the Cercopithecus, emphasizing their arboreal and often colorful in sub-Saharan African forests. The precise origin of the French guenon remains obscure, though some linguistic analyses link it to earlier terms like guenipe (a dirty scrap of cloth), potentially alluding to the monkey's trailing or unkempt appearance. The scientific genus name Cercopithecus was coined by in his 1758 , encompassing slender, long-tailed monkeys. Its etymology traces to kerkopíthēkos, combining kérkos ("tail") and píthēkos ("ape" or "monkey"), thus literally meaning "long-tailed ape" to highlight the prominent tails characteristic of these primates. Historically, Linnaeus's initial applied Cercopithecus broadly to various African cercopithecine monkeys, but subsequent taxonomic refinements in the 19th and 20th centuries narrowed it to exclude groups like the talapoins (Miopithecus) and savanna monkeys (), based on morphological and later genetic distinctions. In French , guenon originally served as a general for all Cercopithecus individuals irrespective of sex during early European descriptions of African , though modern French usage typically limits it to females of non-Cercopithecus . Common names for Cercopithecus species often incorporate descriptive, regional, or eponymous elements that evoke their appearance or discovery context. For instance, the (C. mona) derives its name from a term rooted in Moorish or influences, possibly referencing the species' long tail rather than vocalizations, as popularly misconstrued. Similarly, Campbell's guenon (C. campbelli) honors the 19th-century British naturalist Henry Dundas Campbell, who contributed to early documentation of West African , while de Brazza's guenon (C. neglectus) commemorates the Italian-French explorer for his role in central African expeditions. These names reflect a blend of local linguistic traditions and colonial-era explorations that shaped European understanding of guenon diversity.

Physical characteristics

Morphology and size

Guenons, members of the genus Cercopithecus, exhibit a range of body sizes typical of medium-sized monkeys, with adult males generally measuring 40–70 cm in head-body length and weighing 3–9 kg, while females are notably smaller, often about half the weight of males at 1.5–5 kg. Tail length typically spans 50–75 cm, exceeding the head-body length in most and serving primarily for balance during locomotion. These dimensions vary across the 24-26 recognized , with larger forms like De Brazza's guenon (C. neglectus) reaching up to 7 kg in males, highlighting the genus's diversity in scale. Structurally, guenons possess adaptations suited to their predominantly arboreal lifestyle, including elongated limbs that facilitate quadrupedal movement and leaping through forest canopies. Their tails are nonprehensile, lacking the gripping capability seen in some but aiding in postural stability. The skull is rounded with a short face, and the dental formula is the standard for cercopithecids: 2.1.2.3 (upper and lower), consisting of 32 teeth adapted for a frugivorous and folivorous diet. Ischial callosities—hardened, hairless pads on the buttocks—provide cushioning for prolonged sitting on branches. Across the , guenons typically display a slender, graceful build optimized for agility in trees, though variations exist; for instance, De Brazza's guenon has a stockier form compared to the more lithe species like the moustached guenon (C. cephus). is pronounced in size, with males consistently larger than females, a trait that influences but is evident in morphological measurements from the outset of adulthood. These features underscore the genus's evolutionary success in diverse African habitats.

Coloration and sexual dimorphism

Guenons exhibit highly diverse pelage coloration across species, typically ranging from subdued olive-gray or dark brown tones on the body to more vibrant accents such as reddish-brown saddles on the lower back or bright blue hues on the limbs and rumps in certain taxa like the (Cercopithecus mitis). This variation in fur patterns provides effective against the dappled light and foliage of their arboreal environments. Facial features are particularly species-specific and conspicuous, often including colorful patches (e.g., blue, red, or orange), elongated beards, crests, and brow bands—such as the white, crescent-shaped bands in the (Cercopithecus diana)—which enhance visual distinctiveness among sympatric species. Sexual dimorphism in coloration and markings is generally subtle within guenon species, with males and females sharing similar overall pelage and facial patterns in most cases, unlike the pronounced size differences where males are typically 30–50% larger. However, males may display slightly brighter or more extensive markings in select species to facilitate display during mating, while females tend toward duller tones; for instance, the white chest patch in the is present in both sexes but appears more prominent in adult males. Analyses of facial patterns across 22 guenon species confirm minimal sexual dichromatism, with no reliable differences in hue or structure between sexes that would impede pooling data for species-level comparisons. The adaptive significance of guenon coloration balances and communication: earthy body tones reduce detection by predators in dense habitats, whereas bold facial elements serve as social signals for intraspecific recognition and coordination, particularly in multispecies assemblages where amplifies differences to prevent hybridization. Additionally, some populations display pelage color polymorphism, as observed in samango monkeys (C. mitis) with distinct morphs (e.g., , gray, or reddish variants) that may confer advantages in varying microhabitats or enhance individual fitness through .

Distribution and habitat

Geographic range

Guenons of the genus Cercopithecus are endemic to , with their collective range spanning from western regions including and to eastern areas reaching and , and extending southward into and . This distribution covers much of the continent's tropical and subtropical zones but excludes arid desert areas like the to the north and the extreme southern Cape region. The greatest species diversity occurs in key hotspots such as the Upper and Lower and the in , where ancestral lineages originated and radiated. However, many species exhibit fragmented distributions today, resulting from extensive and conversion for and , which have isolated populations across their former continuous ranges. Historically, guenon ranges were more expansive and interconnected, particularly in forested refugia during Pleistocene climatic fluctuations, prior to accelerated impacts from pre-colonial expansion through modern . Current estimates indicate that while the overall extent of occurrence for the genus remains broad across , viable habitat patches for many species have contracted significantly due to these pressures.

Habitat preferences and adaptations

Guenons (genus Cercopithecus) predominantly occupy forested habitats across sub-Saharan Africa, favoring environments that support their arboreal lifestyle. Primary and secondary rainforests form the core of their preferred habitats, providing dense canopies for movement and foraging, while gallery forests along watercourses and mangroves in coastal or riverine areas offer additional suitable niches for certain species, such as the roloway guenon (C. diana roloway) in the Tanoé forest of Ivory Coast. Some guenons, including De Brazza's guenon (C. neglectus), extend into swampy wetlands and seasonally flooded savanna woodlands, where proximity to water enhances their access to resources. These monkeys exhibit remarkable physiological and behavioral adaptations to their forested environments, emphasizing their arboreal nature. With strong limbs and prehensile tails, guenons demonstrate superior climbing prowess, allowing them to traverse vertical trunks and leap between branches in the forest canopy, often at heights of 10–30 meters. They display flexibility in tolerating disturbed or secondary forests, where human-modified landscapes still provide sufficient cover, but severe poses challenges by limiting dispersal and increasing isolation risks. Altitudinally, guenons range from to elevations up to 3,800 meters, as seen in the (C. mitis) in the of , adapting to cooler montane conditions through denser fur and adjusted activity patterns. Ecologically, guenons contribute significantly to forest dynamics as seed dispersers and insect population regulators. Their frugivorous habits, consuming a variety of fruits, facilitate seed transport over distances of up to several hundred meters, promoting regeneration in rainforests, as documented in studies of guenons including the samango monkey (C. mitis) in forests. Additionally, their omnivorous diet includes substantial insectivory, helping control populations and maintaining balance in forest understories.

Behavior and ecology

Social structure and groups

Guenons typically form multi-female, one-male social units consisting of 5 to 30 individuals, including a single adult male, several adult females, and their dependent , which serve as the core for most in the genus Cercopithecus. These groups are often supplemented by all-male troops comprising juvenile or subadult males that have dispersed from natal units and await opportunities to challenge resident males for group leadership. Some , such as the (C. mitis), exhibit fission-fusion dynamics, where subgroups temporarily split and reform based on resource availability or social affiliations, allowing flexibility in group cohesion while maintaining overall stability. Social dynamics within guenon groups are characterized by female , where females remain in their natal groups for life, forming the stable core of social bonds, while males disperse at maturity to reduce and competition. Dominance hierarchies are prevalent, particularly among females, which are often linear and influenced by age, body size, and matrilineal , though these ranks do not always correlate strongly with fitness outcomes like or in species like the . Intergroup interactions frequently involve conflicts over territorial resources, with resident males employing loud vocalizations and displays to deter intruders, escalating to physical when necessary. Variations in exist across guenon ; for instance, De Brazza's guenon (C. neglectus) forms smaller groups of 5 to 16 individuals with a single adult male and fewer females, and solitary adult males are commonly observed outside these units, reflecting a more dispersed and less cohesive organization compared to other congeners. Cooperative behaviors, such as allogrooming, play a key role in maintaining intragroup harmony and reinforcing affiliative ties, particularly among females in like the red-tailed guenon (C. ) and spot-nosed guenon (C. petaurista), where grooming follows patterns of reciprocity and . These interactions, often involving tactile contact and vocal communication, underscore the emphasis on female-bonded relationships in guenon societies.

Diet, foraging, and predation

Guenons are primarily frugivorous, with constituting 40-60% of their caloric intake across . They exhibit folivorous tendencies, consuming leaves as fallback foods when fruit availability declines seasonally. Insectivory supplements their diet, with comprising up to 25% in some populations such as the Diana guenon (C. diana), providing essential proteins and fats, while opportunistic omnivory includes , flowers, exudates, and occasional small vertebrates. Seasonal shifts occur, with increased reliance on seeds and flowers during fruit scarcity, enabling dietary flexibility in variable environments. Guenons employ diurnal foraging strategies, active primarily during daylight hours in arboreal settings, where they navigate the canopy using quadrupedal locomotion, , and leaping to access food resources. Foraging occurs in small parties, often 10-30 individuals depending on and , allowing coordinated scanning for ripe fruits and while minimizing competition. They selectively target preferred items like figs when available, using cheek pouches in some to store food temporarily for safe consumption away from immediate threats. Natural predators of guenons include leopards (Panthera pardus), crowned hawk-eagles (Stephanoaetus coronatus), and African rock pythons (Python sebae), which pose during both terrestrial and arboreal activities. Anti-predator defenses encompass alarm calls, such as short "hack" or "chirp" vocalizations to alert the group, mobbing by adult males who aggressively approach aerial threats like eagles, and cryptic behaviors including increased vigilance and hiding in dense foliage. These tactics, including aggregation for dilution of , enhance by balancing needs with predator avoidance.

Reproduction and development

Mating systems

Guenons primarily exhibit polygynous systems, in which a single resident adult male maintains exclusive or primary access to multiple females within a , often through aggressive defense against intruders. This male dominance is frequently disrupted by takeovers, where extragroup males challenge and displace the resident, leading to shifts in reproductive control. During periods of female estrus, becomes more promiscuous, with females soliciting copulations from the resident male and occasionally from subordinate or extragroup males, increasing opportunities for multiple paternity within litters. An exception occurs in De Brazza's guenon (Cercopithecus neglectus), where small family groups sometimes form stable monogamous pairs consisting of one adult male and one female, particularly in regions with limited resources that favor pair-bonding over larger harems; however, larger groups in this species revert to . In most guenon species, female reproductive cycles last approximately 30-35 days, marked by subtle behavioral cues such as increased genital swelling and proceptivity during the fertile phase. Reproductive seasonality varies by geographic location and environmental cues. In equatorial forests with stable climates, occurs year-round, allowing continuous breeding opportunities. In contrast, populations in more seasonal habitats time conceptions to align with peaks, such as the onset of rainy seasons, resulting in birth peaks 5-7 months later to coincide with food abundance. Mate selection in guenons involves both intersexual and intrasexual . Females typically prefer with dominant resident males, who sire the majority of due to their control over group access and demonstrated genetic quality through prior tenure. Males compete for rights primarily through ritualized displays, such as vocalizations, branch-shaking, and charging, escalating to physical fights during takeovers or estrus periods to establish or maintain dominance.

Life cycle and parental care

Guenons typically have a period of 5 to 7 months, varying slightly among species such as the (Cercopithecus mona) at 5–6 months and the (C. ascanius) at approximately 6 months. Births usually occur at night in elevated positions within trees, with females delivering a single offspring; twins are rare across the genus, though documented in species like the mona monkey. Newborn guenon infants are precocial, with fur and open eyes, and immediately cling ventrally to their mother's for protection and during the initial weeks. This ventral clinging persists for 3 to 6 months, after which infants transition to dorsal riding on the mother's back while beginning to explore independently and consume solid foods around 2 to 3 months of age. occurs between 6 and 12 months, with full nutritional independence by about 1 year, as seen in the (C. neglectus) and . is reached at 3 to 7 years, with females maturing earlier (around 3–6 years) than males (4.5–7 years). In the wild, guenons have a lifespan of 20 to 30 years, influenced by predation and factors. Parental care is primarily provided by the , who nurses, grooms, and transports the for the first year, fostering bonding and survival skills. Allomothering is common among female group members, who carry, groom, and protect non-offspring , particularly in guenon species like the (C. mitis), reducing maternal energetic costs and enhancing . In some multi-male groups, resident males contribute to protection by defending against predators or potential , as observed in de Brazza's guenons.

Conservation

Threats and population status

Guenons face significant anthropogenic threats across their range in sub-Saharan African forests. The primary risks include driven by for , , and development, which fragments and degrades their habitats. Hunting for and the illegal pet trade further exacerbate population declines, as guenons are targeted for consumption and live capture in regions with high human population density. poses an additional emerging threat by altering ecosystems through shifts in temperature and precipitation patterns, potentially restricting suitable habitats and increasing vulnerability to disease and resource scarcity. Population trends for guenons are predominantly declining, with overall numbers estimated to be low and fragmented. The genus Cercopithecus comprises approximately 20 recognized species, all assessed by the IUCN. As of the IUCN Red List version 2025-2, five species are classified as Critically Endangered, three as Endangered, five as Vulnerable, and seven as Least Concern. Several guenon species, including the Roloway, Dryas, and Sclater's guenons, are featured in the IUCN SSC's 'Primates in Peril: The World's 25 Most Endangered Primates 2023–2025' report. For example, the Roloway guenon (C. roloway) has an estimated wild population of fewer than 2,000 individuals. Total population estimates for many threatened guenon species fall below 100,000, reflecting ongoing losses without comprehensive range-wide surveys. While many IUCN Red List assessments for guenon species date from before 2021, updates through 2025 have refined statuses, with increasing threats noted. Specific species statuses, such as those for the Roloway guenon, underscore the genus-wide vulnerability but are detailed further in discussions of species diversity.

Conservation measures

Conservation measures for guenons primarily involve the establishment and management of protected areas, international trade regulations, and targeted conservation initiatives coordinated by global organizations. Key protected areas include Taï National Park in Ivory Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that safeguards multiple guenon species through habitat preservation and research on their ecological associations. Similarly, Lopé National Park in Gabon, another UNESCO site, protects endemic guenons such as the sun-tailed guenon amid diverse primate populations, with ongoing monitoring to mitigate logging pressures. Many guenon species, including the Preuss's monkey, red-eared guenon, and white-nosed guenon, are listed under Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), which regulates commercial trade to prevent overexploitation. Active conservation efforts encompass reintroduction programs guided by IUCN standards for nonhuman primates, anti-poaching patrols in reserves, and community education campaigns to reduce human-wildlife conflict. The IUCN Species Survival Commission's Primate Specialist Group (PSG) plays a central role, developing action plans, prioritizing endangered primates, and facilitating collaborative research and policy advocacy across Africa. Anti-poaching initiatives in areas like Taï National Park have strengthened enforcement, while community programs emphasize sustainable livelihoods to curb habitat encroachment. Proposed habitat corridors aim to connect fragmented forests, enhancing guenon dispersal and , as seen in Nigerian primate conservation projects involving native . Some guenon populations remain stable within well-managed reserves, demonstrating the efficacy of these protections, though persistent funding gaps hinder broader implementation and long-term monitoring.

Species diversity

List of recognized species

The genus Cercopithecus includes approximately 26 recognized species of guenons, arboreal monkeys distributed across , primarily in forested habitats. These species exhibit diverse pelage patterns for species recognition and are generally omnivorous, feeding on fruits, leaves, , and small vertebrates. The list below details selected species (not exhaustive due to ongoing taxonomic revisions), including geographic range, primary habitat, approximate adult body size and weight (males larger than females), status as of 2025, and notable notes such as or recent discoveries, based on authoritative taxonomic and conservation assessments. For a complete list, refer to .
Common NameScientific NameGeographic RangePrimary HabitatSize and WeightIUCN StatusNotes
Blue monkeyCercopithecus mitisWidespread across central, eastern, and southern , from to Montane and lowland rainforests, woodlandsBody 42–60 cm, tail 50–80 cm, 5–9 kgLeast ConcernRecognizes 10 (e.g., C. m. stuhlmanni); adaptable to forest edges; diet includes fruits and foliage.
Campbell's mona monkeyCercopithecus campbelli, from to Lowland rainforests, gallery forestsBody 40–50 cm, tail 50–70 cm, 3.5–5.5 kgNear Threatened include C. c. lowei (sometimes separate); frugivorous with supplement; social groups of 10–40; threatened by habitat loss.
Cercopithecus monaWest and , including islands like Rainforests, mangroves, secondary forestsBody 40–50 cm, tail 50–75 cm, 3.5–6 kgLeast ConcernUp to 4 ; known for black-and-white facial markings; diet heavy on fruits and seeds.
Wolf's guenonCercopithecus wolfi, of CongoLowland rainforests, swamp forestsBody 45–55 cm, tail 60–80 cm, 5–8 kgNear ThreatenedLimited data; sympatric with other guenons; frugivore-ivore; inferred.
Lowe's monkeyCercopithecus lowei, and Rainforests, forest-savanna mosaicsBody 40–48 cm, tail 50–65 cm, 3–5 kgVulnerableSometimes considered of C. campbelli; threatened by habitat loss; diet includes and fruits.
Sclater's guenonCercopithecus sclateriSouthern Lowland rainforestsBody 40–50 cm, tail 50–70 cm, 4–6 kgEndangeredRare, with small fragmented populations; frugivorous; faces severe threats.
Cercopithecus neglectus, from to Swamp forests, riverine forests, montane forestsBody 40–60 cm, tail 50–75 cm, 3–7 kgLeast ConcernDistinctive orange ; secretive, often near ; diet of fruits, leaves, and aquatic prey.
Cercopithecus diana, from [Sierra Leone](/page/Sierra Leone) to Primary rainforests, up to 500 m Body 40–55 cm, tail 55–80 cm, 4–5.5 kgEndangeredVocal species; hunted for ; formerly included Roloway as .
Roloway monkeyCercopithecus roloway, and Primary rainforestsBody 40–50 cm, tail 50–70 cm, 4–5 kgCritically EndangeredFormerly of C. diana; highly threatened by and habitat loss; very small populations.
Crowned monkeyCercopithecus pogoniasWest and , from to DRCLowland and montane rainforestsBody 40–50 cm, tail 60–80 cm, 4–7 kgLeast Concern5 (e.g., C. p. pogonias); crowned facial pattern; omnivorous diet.
Moustached monkeyCercopithecus cephus, from to DRCLowland rainforests, secondary forestsBody 35–45 cm, tail 50–70 cm, 3–5 kgLeast Concern include black-nosed variant; highly social; feeds mainly on fruits and .
Cercopithecus ascanius and eastern , from DRC to Rainforests, woodland forestsBody 45–60 cm, tail 60–90 cm, 4–6.5 kgLeast Concern5 ; red tail diagnostic; often in polyspecific associations; frugivore.
Putty-nosed monkeyCercopithecus nictitansWest and , from to Rainforests, montane forests up to 2,000 mBody 45–60 cm, tail 70–80 cm, 4–7 kgLeast ConcernIncludes C. n. ludio; white nose patch; diet of fruits, leaves, .
Lesser spot-nosed monkeyCercopithecus petauristaWest and , from to DRCLowland rainforests, swamp forestsBody 35–45 cm, tail 55–75 cm, 2.5–4 kgLeast Concern3 ; spotted forehead; smallest guenon; ivorous tendencies higher.
Red-eared guenonCercopithecus erythrotis, , Equatorial Guinea, Lowland rainforests, gallery forestsBody 40–50 cm, tail 50–70 cm, 3.5–5 kgVulnerable C. e. erythrotis; red ear tufts; threatened by logging and .
Nigerian white-throated monkeyCercopithecus erythrogasterSouthwest , BeninLowland forests, mangrovesBody 40–50 cm, tail 50–70 cm, 3–5 kgEndangered2 ; white throat and belly; critically low populations due to habitat fragmentation.
LesulaCercopithecus lomamiensis DRC, Lomami BasinPrimary rainforestsBody 40–50 cm, tail 50–60 cm, 4–6 kgVulnerableDiscovered in 2007, formally described in 2012; distinctive human-like face; diet includes fruits and invertebrates; threatened by trade.
Hamlyn's monkeyCercopithecus hamlyniEastern DRCMontane rainforests, bamboo forestsBody 45–55 cm, tail 70–80 cm, 5–7 kgEndangeredBlue face; rare, with declining populations; folivorous diet.
Dryas monkeyCercopithecus dryas DRC, near Lake TumbaSwamp forests, primary rainforestsBody 40–50 cm, tail 60–70 cm, 4–6 kgCritically EndangeredExtremely rare, known from few specimens; possibly extinct in wild; frugivorous.
Preuss's monkeyCercopithecus preussiWest and , to Montane forests, lowland rainforestsBody 40–50 cm, tail 50–70 cm, 3–5 kgVulnerableTwo ; threatened by logging; diet mainly fruits and .
L'Hoest's monkeyCercopithecus lhoesti, from to Montane forestsBody 45–60 cm, tail 70–90 cm, 4–7 kgNear ThreatenedIncludes like C. l. lhoesti; distinctive beard; folivorous.

Hybrids and subspecies

Hybrids between guenon species have been documented primarily in the wild, with the most studied case involving the red-tailed monkey (Cercopithecus ascanius) and the blue monkey (C. mitis) in overlapping forest habitats of East Africa. These interspecific crosses occur in limited zones, such as Gombe National Park in Tanzania, where hybrids exhibit intermediate morphological traits like pelage coloration and are viable and fertile, indicating ongoing gene flow between the parental species. Observations of such hybrids remain rare across most surveyed forests, though a fertile hybrid between two Cercopithecus species was also reported in Uganda's Budongo Forest, suggesting sporadic natural hybridization events beyond captivity. The genus Cercopithecus encompasses over 50 recognized distributed across its approximately 26 , reflecting high levels of geographic and morphological variation adapted to diverse African forest environments. For instance, Stuhlmann's (C. m. stuhlmanni) is a of the complex, characterized by its occurrence in montane forests of and distinct grayish pelage with a reddish tail base. Genetic analyses have provided that certain warrant elevation to full status due to substantial divergence in and nuclear markers, highlighting cryptic diversity within traditionally delimited taxa. Hybrid zones among guenons are increasingly noted in fragmented s, where habitat loss from and human activity brings previously allopatric populations into secondary contact, potentially increasing unnatural interbreeding rates. This phenomenon raises conservation concerns regarding genetic purity and the integrity of distinct lineages, as persistent hybridization could dilute adaptive traits in small, isolated populations, complicating efforts to preserve in rapidly degrading tropical forests.

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