About Monkeys
Old World Monkey

Guenons

Cercopithecus

Guenons are a large, colorful group of Old World monkeys spread across sub-Saharan Africa, each species identifiable by its own unique facial markings.

Guenon with white nose spot and long rufous tail walking along a forest branch
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Primates
Family
Cercopithecidae

Other Names

Guenon

Size

13–24 inches long; 4–18 lbs.

Description

Distinctive, often colorful facial patterns unique to each species, plus a long, non-prehensile tail.

Behavior

Arboreal, and often found traveling in mixed-species associations with other guenons.

Diet

Fruit, leaves and insects.

Communication

Species-specific alarm calls; facial patterns help members of mixed groups recognize one another.

Habitat

Forests across sub-Saharan Africa.

Life Cycle & Society

Gestation
5–6 months
Sexually Mature
4–6 years
Life Span
20–30 years
Athleticism
Agile canopy leapers
Conservation Status
Varies; some species Vulnerable

Guenons typically live in female-bonded troops with one or a few resident males. Many species are notable for forming stable, long-term mixed-species associations with other guenons to share predator vigilance.

Selected Species

  • Mona Monkey

    Cercopithecus mona

  • Diana Monkey

    Cercopithecus diana

  • Blue Monkey

    Cercopithecus mitis

  • Red-tailed Monkey

    Cercopithecus ascanius

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