Allen’s Swamp Monkey

ANIMAL:
Allen’s Swamp Monkey Allenopithecus nigroviridis

Type of Animal:
Old World Monkey

Habitat:
Lowland forest, swamp forest, forests near water, riverine areas, tropical moist forest, swamps, swampy areas, riverine forests near cropland, creeks

Location(s):
NE Republic of Congo, NW Democratic Republic of Congo, & small part of Central African Republic

Appearance:
Brown, gray, & green fur, fur longer around neck/shoulders, males larger than females, reddish-dark pinkish face w/ long hair bundles at cheeks, slightly webbed fingers/toes, long tail

Food/Diet:
Fruit, greens, vegetables, root vegetables, crops, leaves, seeds, insects, fish, shrimp, snails, worms

Status in Wild:
Stable

Conservation:
Breeding in zoos & wildlife parks

Lifestyle:
Troops of up to 40 led by dominant male

Additional Info:

Called:
Male
Female
Young: Infant
Group: Troop

Weight:
Male: 13 lbs
Female: 7.5 lbs
Young: 3 lbs

Gestation:
5-6 months 

Life Span:
20-25 years

Height:
Male: 1.97 ft
Female: 1.476 ft

Body Length:
Male: 1.97 ft
Female: 1.476 ft

Tail Length:
Male: 1.67 ft
Female: 1.583 ft

Main predators are leopards, chimps, bonobos, raptors, snakes, & crocodiles.
 
Named after American zoologist Joel Asaph Allen.
 
Like most monkeys, active during the day (diurnal).
 
Sexually mature at 3 years old.
 
Like many other primates, they practice social grooming to strengthen bonds.
 
Often arboreal as well as semi-terrestrial, often foraging on ground.
 
Young weaned at 2.5-3 months but stay w/ mom until sexual maturity & sometimes after.
 
While stable, bushmeat hunting, persecution as crop pests, pet trade, habitat loss, deforestation, & use in medical research loom.
 
Use high-pitched long call when greeting/locating other troop members. Chirping used as alarm call. Males emit deep throaty croaks.
 
Sometimes seen w/ other monkey species.
 
Due to fruit/seed eating, they play a role in seed dispersal.
 
Usually flee from predators but sometimes mob attack.

Fun Fact(s):
Highly curious, inquisitive, & intelligent, often seen manipulating objects w/ very dexterous hands.
 
Scientists study memory & problem-solving by presenting them w/ complex tasks.
 
Unlike many monkeys, they’re unafraid of water, often diving to avoid danger & foraging in shallow water.