Red-bellied Monkey

• Common Name: Red-bellied Monkey
• Taxonomy Classification Year: 1866
• Monkey Size: 46 to 46 cm (18 to 18 inches)
• Skin Color(s): Dense gray
• Habitat: Forest, rainforest
• Diet: Omnivorous
• Native Countries: Nigeria, Benin

The red-bellied monkey^[1] (Cercopithecus erythrogaster), also called the red-bellied guenon or white-throated guenon is a diurnal primate living in the trees of Tropical Rainforests or tropical areas in Benin and Nigeria.

• Pretty and slender, red-bellied monkeys’ dense gray fur is highlighted by a rust-red patch of fur on their underbelly, making them easy to identify.
• The thick white hair around its neck is reminiscent of the ruffled lace collars of Renaissance nobles, hence their common names, red-bellied or white-throated monkeys.
• The top of their head appears pointed, as do their ears. Their narrow mouth sticks out. Like all guenons, they have cheek pouches in which they store food while feeding.
• Their flat nose has hanging nostrils. Their light brown eyes are round. Their hands and feet have five fingers with opposing thumbs and toes.

• The red-bellied monkey was once considered extinct due to constant hunting for fur on its unique red belly and white front legs. However, a small group was found near the Niger River in 1988.
• These monkeys are diurnal. They live in small groups in the lower treetops and, being quite shy, are not easy to spot in the wild.
• They move by walking, running on their hands and feet, or jumping.
• Members of one group maintain close relationships but avoid interacting with members of other groups.
• Red-bellied monkeys use postures to express their feelings. Gazing open-mouthed and nodding, for example, are used to warn intruders.