Golden monkeys

Golden monkeys are primate species that are part of the monkey family, these monkeys are highlighted because of their gold color on their bodies hence the name golden monkeys. The golden monkeys are scientifically known as Cercopithecus mitis from the  Cercopithecidae family and genus Cercopithecus.

Golden monkeys are also known as “blue monkeys”: In some parts of their range, golden monkeys are referred to as “blue monkeys” due to their distinctive blue-gray fur. They are agile and skilled climbers and spend most of their time in trees. They communicate using a variety of vocalizations, including chirps, squeaks, and grunts, to communicate with each other.

They are between 40-60 cm (16-24 in) in length and between 4-6 kg (8.8-13.2 lbs) in weight. They have a distinctive golden coat with a white underside with a black face with a white stripe above their eyes.

Golden monkeys inhabit tropical forests, bamboo forests, and mountainous regions. You can find them in the Virunga Mountains in central Africa, spanning across the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda. Golden monkeys are usually found at elevations of 2,200-4,200 meters (7,200-13,800 ft) above sea level.

Golden monkeys are herbivores and feed on leaves, shoots, fruits, and bamboo. They forage for food in small groups, led by a dominant male. Golden monkeys live in small groups of up to 30 individuals and communicate using a variety of vocalizations, including chirps, squeaks, and grunts.

Golden monkeys breed throughout the year, with a peak mating season between June and August. The gestation period for golden monkeys is approximately 5-6 months, giving birth to a single infant, which weighs around 200-300 grams (7-10 oz) at birth. Golden monkeys can live up to 20-25 years in the wild. In captivity they can even last longer.

Golden monkeys are listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List and are threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation, poaching, and disease. They are protected in several national parks and protected areas, including the Virunga National Park, Mgahinga National Park and the Volcanoes National Park. Organizations, such as the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International and the International Gorilla Conservation Programme, are working to protect golden monkeys and their habitats.

Golden monkeys require a cool and temperate climate, with temperatures ranging from 10-20°C (50-68°F); a humid environment, with an average annual rainfall of 1,000-2,000 mm (39-79 in) and a diverse range of vegetation, including trees, shrubs, and bamboo.

Golden monkeys have several predators, including leopards, servals, and eagles. They are also threatened by human activities such as habitat destruction, poaching, and disease. Also activities like habitat fragmentation, which can isolate populations and reduce genetic diversity. Golden monkeys are sometimes perceived as pests by local communities, leading to human-wildlife conflict. They are susceptible to diseases such as Ebola and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV). To continue preservation of the golden monkeys conservation organizations are working with local communities to promote the conservation of golden monkeys and their habitats.

Golden monkeys
Golden monkey

To see the golden monkeys, you have to go for golden monkey trekking experience in one of the golden monkey habitats listed above. The trekking experiences usually take between 3 to 5 hours depending on how deep in the forest the monkeys are. The golden monkey trekking experiences can be done all year round.

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