Collared mangabey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Collared mangabey |
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| Conservation status | |
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| Genus: |
Cercocebus
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| Species: |
torquatus
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The collared mangabey (Cercocebus torquatus) is a type of monkey found in Africa. It's also known as the red-capped mangabey or white-collared mangabey because of its unique colors. These monkeys are part of a group called Old World monkeys.
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What Does a Collared Mangabey Look Like?
The collared mangabey has mostly grey fur on its body. Its name comes from the bright colors on its head and neck.
Special Features
- It has a bright chestnut-red cap on its head. This is why it's called the red-capped mangabey.
- A white band around its neck gives it the name collared or white-collared mangabey.
- Its ears are black, and it has striking white eyelids. Some people call it the "four-eyed monkey" because of these white eyelids.
- The tail is dark grey and is longer than its body. It often holds the white tip of its tail over its head.
- These monkeys have long molars and very large incisors (front teeth).
Size and Weight
- Male collared mangabeys usually weigh about 9 to 10 kilograms (20 to 22 pounds).
- Females are a bit smaller, weighing around 7.5 to 8.6 kilograms (17 to 19 pounds).
- Males are about 47 to 67 centimeters (18 to 26 inches) long from head to body.
- Females are slightly shorter, at 45 to 60 centimeters (18 to 24 inches) long.
Where Do Collared Mangabeys Live?
Collared mangabeys live in forests along the coast and in swampy areas. You can find them in parts of western Nigeria, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon. They also live near the Atlantic coast on the Gabon-Congo border.
Preferred Habitats
- Coastal forests
- Swamp forests
- Mangrove forests
- Valley forests
How Do Collared Mangabeys Behave?
Collared mangabeys live in large groups. These groups can have anywhere from 10 to 35 monkeys. Several males are usually part of each group.
Communication and Diet
- They use sounds like cackles and barks to talk to each other. These sounds help the group stay together. They also signal their location to other mangabey groups.
- Their main food is fruits and seeds.
- They also eat leaves, flowers, insects, mushrooms, and tree gum.
Reproduction
- Collared mangabeys do not have a specific breeding season.
- They become old enough to have babies when they are five to seven years old.
- A female mangabey is pregnant for about 170 days.
What Threats Do Collared Mangabeys Face?
Collared mangabeys are in danger. Their numbers are decreasing because of two main reasons.
Hunting and Habitat Loss
- Many mangabeys are hunted for their meat. This is often called the bushmeat trade. In 2006, it was estimated that about 3,000 collared mangabeys were hunted each year in one forest area alone.
- Their homes, the forests, are being destroyed. This is called habitat loss.
How Are Collared Mangabeys Protected?
Because of the threats they face, the collared mangabey is listed as an endangered species. This means they are at high risk of disappearing forever.
Conservation Efforts
- They are listed on the IUCN Red List as endangered. This list helps track animals that need protection.
- They are also protected by international agreements like Appendix II of CITES. This agreement controls the trade of endangered animals.
- The African Convention on the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources also lists them for protection.
