Monkeys of Makokou features mixed-species habitats for drills, mona monkeys (mona guenons) and Wolf’s guenons. Lush foliage and large, man-made trees offer the animals ample opportunities for foraging and climbing.

Fact Sheet	Mona monkey
KINGDOM:	Animalia
PHYLUM:	Vertebrata
CLASS:	Mammalia
ORDER:	Primata
FAMILY:	Cercopithecidae
GENUS:	Cercopithecus
SPECIES:	Mona

Range and Habitat

• Mona monkeys are found in west Africa from Ghana to Cameroon, with the main population centered in Nigeria. They are well-adapted to a variety of habitats, including rainforests, woodlands and mangrove swamps, and are occasionally found in farmlands and gardens. Monas prefer the treetops but can also be seen in mid-level and lower forest canopies.

• Although not currently listed as endangered, this species is affected by the bushmeat trade in Cameroon, Ghana, the Ivory Coast and Zaire.

Physical Characteristics

• The mona monkey’s name derives from the Moorish mona, meaning “long-tailed monkey,” and the French guenon, meaning “fright.” (Mona monkeys grimace and bare their teeth when excited or angry.)

• Each of the 20 species in the guenon family has distinctive facial markings used for communication.

• Monas do not have prehensile tails. Their tales are used for balance and also serve as rudders for swimming.

Diet
Wild diet consists of fruit, insects, leaves, nuts, grains, roots, wild honey, bird eggs and snails. Monas have cheek pouches for storing their food, and these can hold as much food as their stomachs. Their digestive systems are simple compared with those of many other primates. Low ridges on the teeth (cusps) assist in grinding their highly varied diet.

Behavior
Monas live in troops composed of one adult male, several females and their offspring. Troop size ranges from three to 30 individuals.

Reproduction
Although twins occur occasionally, monas typically give birth to single offspring. Average gestation is 5.5 to six months. Births usually occur at night in the safety of the trees.

Life Span
Monas can live up to 26 years in captivity; there are no statistics from the wild. Individuals are sexually mature by the age of 4 or 5.

	Fact Sheet	Wolf’s guenon
	KINGDOM:	Animalia
	PHYLUM:	Vertebrata
	CLASS:	Mammalia
	ORDER:	Primata
	FAMILY:	Cercopithecidae
	GENUS:	Cercopithecus
	SPECIES:	c. wolfi

Range and Habitat

• Cousins of mona monkeys, Wolf’s guenons range throughout many parts of Africa, including Angola, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Uganda. The species is not currently listed as endangered.

Physical Characteristics

• Wolf’s guenons were named for their discoverer (not the canine!). They are easily identified by their striking coloration, white-tufted ears and mask-like markings on their faces.

• Wolf’s guenons are easily identified by their striking coloration, white-tufted ears and mask-like markings on their faces.

Diet
Wild diet consists primarily of fruit, leaves, flowers and nectar, as well as insects.

Behavior
These are highly social primates, with over seven individual calls used for communication between group members.

Reproduction Like mona monkeys, Wolf’s guenons typically give birth to single offspring.

Life Span 20 to 26 years