A charismatic and agile forest monkey found across the tropical regions of West and Central Africa. Its range stretches from Nigeria and Cameroon through the Congo Basin and into parts of Gabon and the Central African Republic. As a member of the guenon family, the Greater spot-nosed monkey is known for its expressive face, lively movements, and striking nose patch—a feature that gives the species its common name. This monkey thrives in lowland rainforests, swamp forests, secondary forests, and forest edges, making it one of the most widespread and adaptable arboreal primates in its region.

The monkey’s most distinctive feature is the white spot on its nose, which stands out sharply against its dark face. This small splash of white is framed by golden-brown eyebrows, dark cheeks, and expressive eyes that give the species a charming, almost comical appearance. Its coat is a mix of olive-green, gray, or brownish tones, often flecked with subtle markings. The underparts are lighter, and its long limbs and tail—used for balance and communication—help the monkey move quickly through dense canopy vegetation. In terms of size, the Greater spot-nosed monkey is medium-built, similar to many other guenons, with males noticeably larger than females.

The species is highly arboreal, spending most of its time in the middle and lower forest canopy. Its acrobatic skills allow it to leap between branches, forage in tangled vines, and move swiftly across complex vegetation. Though primarily tree-dwelling, it will come to the forest floor when searching for fallen fruits or insects, especially in areas with little disturbance. Its diet is diverse, consisting of fruits, seeds, leaves, flowers, insects, and small invertebrates.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Angola

2016

Possibly Extant: Cabinda

Cameroon

2016

Central Af. Rep.

2016

Congo-Brazzaville

2016

Côte D’ivoire

2016

DR Congo (Kinshasa)

2016

Equatorial Guinea

2016

Gabon

2016

Liberia

2016

Nigeria

2016