Preuss's monkey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Preuss's monkey |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Allochrocebus
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| Species: |
preussi
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| Geographic range | |
The Preuss's monkey (Allochrocebus preussi), also known as Preuss's guenon, is a type of monkey that is active during the day. These monkeys live mostly on the ground in mountain forests. You can find them in eastern Nigeria, western Cameroon, and on Bioko island in Equatorial Guinea. They can live in forests up to 2,500 meters high!
Preuss's monkeys used to be thought of as a type of L'Hoest's monkey. Now, scientists know they are their own special species. They are part of a group of monkeys called Allochrocebus.
Contents
About the Preuss's Monkey
Preuss's monkeys are medium-sized primates. They can weigh up to 10 kilograms (about 22 pounds). They have a unique look with dark fur and often a lighter patch on their chest.
What Preuss's Monkeys Eat
These monkeys enjoy a varied diet. Their main foods are:
- Fruits
- Leaves
- Insects
Sometimes, they might also eat crops grown by humans. This can happen when their forest home is close to farms.
Where Preuss's Monkeys Live
Preuss's monkeys live in specific parts of West Africa. Their home includes:
- Mountain forests in eastern Nigeria
- Western Cameroon
- The island of Bioko in Equatorial Guinea
They prefer forests that are high up in the mountains. This habitat is part of the important Guinean Forests of West Africa region. This area is known for having many different kinds of plants and animals.
Family Life and Reproduction
Preuss's monkeys live in groups called troops. A typical troop has:
- One adult male
- Several females
- Their young monkeys (adolescents)
On average, a troop has about 17 monkeys. Female Preuss's monkeys usually give birth to one baby at a time. This happens about once every three years.
Life Cycle of a Preuss's Monkey
Young Preuss's monkeys grow up quite quickly. They become adults when they are about 4 years old. In the wild, these monkeys can live for a long time. They live to be about 31 years old on average.
Why Preuss's Monkeys Need Our Help
Sadly, the Preuss's monkey is an endangered species. This means there are not many of them left in the wild. The two main reasons they are in danger are:
- Habitat loss: Their forest homes are being cut down or changed.
- Hunting: People sometimes hunt these monkeys.
Because they are endangered, it's very important to protect them. They are part of a special area called the West Africa Biodiversity Hotspot. This means it's a place with many unique species that are at risk.
Helping Preuss's Monkeys
There are places working to help Preuss's monkeys. Some of these monkeys live in special centers. These centers help to protect and care for them. Two examples are:
- The Centre for Education, Rehabilitation, and Conservation of Primates and Nature (CERCOPAN) in Nigeria.
- The Limbe Wildlife Centre in Cameroon.
Types of Preuss's Monkeys
There are two different types, or subspecies, of Preuss's monkey:
- Cameroon Preuss's monkey: Cercopithecus preussi preussi
- Bioko Preuss's monkey: Cercopithecus preussi insularis (found on Bioko island)
