De Brazza’s Monkey

De Brazza’s monkey is one of the most distinctive species of guenon, a collective name for members of a large group of African monkeys belonging to the genus Cercopithecus. The head is adorned with a striking orange-red crescent shaped patch on the brow, and the face has a white muzzle extending into a long, white beard. The coat is mostly finely speckled grey and white, with black limbs and tail. Other distinguishing features include a white thigh stripe and rump and, in the male, a bright blue scrotum. Despite being widespread, De Brazza’s monkey is generally shy and inconspicuous, only rarely announcing its presence with deep, booming group calls. This species is mostly arboreal, but unlike other guenons, which usually stay in the tree canopy, it is often found moving through the forest understory or along the ground. The diet consists mainly of fruits and seeds, although leaves, mushrooms and small reptiles and insects may also be consumed. As foraging usually takes place in exposed areas, food is stored in cheek pouches, and only eaten when the monkeys return to a safe location.