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Allen's Swamp Monkey
Allen's Swamp Monkey (Allenopithecus nigroviridis) is the primate species that is categorized in its own genus Allenopithecus in the Old World monkey family. Systematically it is a sister clade to the guenons but differs in dentition and habits. Allen's Swamp Monkeys live in the Congo basin, in the Republic of Congo and in the west of the Democratic Republic of Congo. These monkeys are rather strongly built animals, their skin is grey green at the top side. The face is reddish with long hair bundles at the cheeks. The slight webbing of the fingers and toes point to their partially aquatic way of life. Allen's Swamp Monkeys can reach a full body length from 45 to 60 cm, with an approximately 50 cm long tail. As is the case for many other primates, the males, weighing up to 6kg are substantially larger than the females (up to 3.5 kg). Allen's Swamp Monkeys are diurnal animals, and regularly look for food on the ground. They inhabit swampy, water-rich areas and can swim well, diving to avoid danger. They live together in groups of up to 40 animals, communicating with different calls, gestures and touches. Their diet consists of fruits and leaves as well as beetles and worms. Of the mating habits of these monkeys, little is well known. The females bear young, which are weaned in approximately three months and are mature after three to five years. Their lifespan is as great as 23 years. Among the natural enemies of Allen's Swamp Monkeys rank raptors, snakes and also Bonobos. Unlike other primates, their swampy habitat is not so strongly exposed to the danger of the forests. However they are hunted because of their meat. The IUCN lists the them as "near threatened". Reference - http://members.tripod.com/uakari/allenopithecus_nigroviridis.html
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