Mona Monkey

• Common Name: Mona Monkey
• Taxonomy Classification Year: 1775
• Monkey Size: 41 to 63 cm (16 to 25 in)
• Skin Color(s): Green, Red-brown to brown-agouti
• Habitat: Forest, rainforest
• Diet: Omnivorous
• Native Countries: Cameroon, Ghana

The Mona monkey^[1] (Cercopithecus mona) is an Old World monkey living between Cameroon and Ghana in West Africa.

• Individuals in this species are colorful. The back fur is reddish brown to agouti brown.
• The ventral surface and buttocks are white. The upper half of the face is bluish-gray with a white stripe on the forehead.
• The eyebrows are dark, and the muzzle is pink. Around the face, the hair is yellow, with a dark band running from the eyes to the ears.
• The cheeks are grayish-yellow, and the lips are white. Other notable features include long, thick legs and long white tufts on the ears.
• The tail is almost black above and gray below. The tip of the tail is black.

The Mona Monkey feeds on Persimmons (Diospyros), Umbrella Tree (Musanga cecropioides) and African Nutmeg (Pycnanthus angolensis)^[¶].

• Mona monkeys live in large groups of 5 to 50 individuals.
• They are very social and active. Mona monkeys are diurnal and are mainly active in the early morning or late afternoon.
• They “fly” across trees by running to the far end of a branch and jumping onto another branch.
• When they sense they are in danger, they freeze and remain silent until the danger has passed.
• These monkeys are known for being loud and boisterous, with calls that sound like expressive moans.