A graceful and colorful guenon native to the rainforests and forest-savanna mosaics of West Africa. Found mainly in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, this species is a close relative of Campbell’s mona monkey and the mona monkey, forming part of a group of primates known for their striking facial markings, agile movements, and energetic canopy lifestyles.

Visually, the Lowe’s mona monkey is beautifully patterned. Its coat is a mix of chestnut-brown, gray, and black tones, with a pale underside and a distinctive facial pattern typical of the guenon family. The most eye-catching feature is the white patch or “spot” around its nose and upper lip, paired with expressive eyes and a dark muzzle. This gives the monkey an almost masked appearance that makes it instantly recognizable. The body is slender and athletic, and the long tail—often longer than the body itself—helps the monkey maintain balance as it leaps through tangled vegetation.

Lowe’s mona monkeys are highly arboreal, spending most of their lives in the forest canopy. They are exceptionally agile climbers and can move swiftly across branches, lianas, and treetops. Their movements are fast, fluid, and coordinated, especially when traveling with their group. Although they prefer trees, they occasionally descend to the ground to forage or travel short distances, especially in areas where the canopy is broken.

Their diet is broad and opportunistic. Fruits make up a large portion of what they eat, but they also consume seeds, flowers, leaves, buds, insects, and small invertebrates. This varied diet makes them important seed dispersers, helping the forest regenerate and ensuring plant diversity. They often feed in mixed-species troops alongside Campbell’s mona monkeys, Diana monkeys, and red colobus monkeys. These mixed groups improve safety by increasing the number of eyes watching for predators.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Côte D’ivoire

2019

Ghana

2019