Mammal
Sykes' Monkey
Cercopithecus mitisAlso known as Blue Monkey, Diademed Monkey, Samango Monkey, White-throated Guenon
Sykes' monkeys travel high in forest canopies across East and Central Africa in stable, female-bonded groups led by a single dominant male. Their vocal repertoires include booming territorial calls from males and high-pitched alarm chirps that alert the troop to aerial predators. Highly adaptable foragers, they play a vital ecological role by dispersing seeds throughout tropical woodlands and montane forests.
ArborealDiurnalSocial
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyFruits, Leaves, Insects
Predators
- Leopard
- Crowned Eagle
- African Rock Python
ThreatsHabitat loss, deforestation, agricultural fragmentation, bushmeat hunting
HabitatsTropical rainforests, montane forests, coastal woodlands, riverine forests
Life span15–20 years in the wild
Classification
- OrderPrimates
- FamilyCercopithecidae
- GenusCercopithecus
- SpeciesCercopithecus mitis
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskModerate
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is moderate
- Wild primates may bite if cornered and carry transmissible pathogens; observe quietly from a distance and never offer food.
- Why it is dangerous
- Sharp canine teeth deliver painful bites, and physical contact poses risks of pathogen transmission including primate viruses.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Identified by dark greyish fur, a distinct pale neck patch, long dark tail, and dark face.
- What to do
- Observe from at least 15 meters away, keep food secured out of sight, and avoid direct eye contact.
Responsible observation
- Elevated vantage: Position yourself on elevated trails or platforms where tree canopy visibility is clearest.
- Auditory clues: Spot troops by listening for loud boom calls made by adult males marking territory.
- Secure all food: Keep snacks completely concealed in bags to prevent aggressive habituated behavior.
Sympatric Primate "Vervet Monkey, Uganda" by Rod Waddington is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/. · cc-by-sa
Frequent Companion (c) Annika Lindqvist, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Annika Lindqvist · cc-by
Predator (c) Suvarna Parbhoo Mohan, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Matt Muir, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Matt Muir · cc-by
Keep collecting in Fauna
Found in Collections
Species set Pro
Emerald Kingdom
Sykes' Monkey is found in this collection. Identify it in Fauna to fill this slot and continue your progress.
Unlock to track progress
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?
Checking your Fauna account…Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.