Fauna
Mammal · GBIF taxon 2436620

Allen's Swamp Monkey

Allenopithecus nigroviridis

Also known as Congo Swamp Monkey

Allen's swamp monkeys navigate the inundated river systems of the Congo Basin, utilizing slight webbing between their digits to paddle across open water and dive below the surface to evade raptors. Troops numbering up to 40 individuals maintain contact through soft grunts and birdlike chirps while combing both the canopy and muddy shallows for fallen figs and freshwater crustaceans. Their robust skeletal build bridges evolutionary traits between cheek-pouched baboons and arboreal guenons.

Semi-AquaticSocialOmnivorous
Allen's Swamp Monkey reference
Licensed reference(c) User:Cacophony, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
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Near ThreatenedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNear ThreatenedRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Freshwater Crabs
  • Beetle Larvae
  • Wild Figs
Predators
  • Crowned Eagle
  • African Leopard
  • African Rock Python
ThreatsBushmeat hunting, habitat disturbance from commercial logging, and agricultural expansion
HabitatsSeasonally flooded swamp forests, riverine gallery forests, and freshwater marshes
Life span15–20 years in the wild; up to 23 years in captivity
Classification
  1. FamilyCercopithecidae
  2. SpeciesAllenopithecus nigroviridis
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
May bite or scratch if cornered; observe quietly from boats or riverbanks at a distance.
Why it is dangerous
Equipped with strong jaws and long canine teeth capable of inflicting painful lacerations if cornered or restrained.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Look for a stocky body covered in greenish-grey agouti fur, pale cheek whiskers, and slightly webbed fingers.
What to do
Maintain a respectful distance from boats or observation hides, and never attempt to hand-feed or grab individuals.
Responsible observation
  • Boat Observation: Approach quietly by canoe along river margins during early morning foraging hours.
  • Listen for Calls: Track troops moving through dense canopy foliage by tuning into soft contact chirps.
Related species
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