As its name suggests, it sports a distinctive white “moustache” across its face that gives it an almost comical, gentlemanly appearance. Combined with its bright orange legs, reddish back, and blue-gray face, this monkey looks like it’s dressed in a colorful costume. Their expressive eyes and quirky facial markings make them stand out among the many guenon species, earning them a reputation as one of the most charismatic monkeys in Africa.

Living high in the forest canopy, these monkeys spend most of their time leaping between branches in search of food. Their diet is mixed and adaptable, including fruits, leaves, insects, and seeds, making them true omnivores. They also play an important role in their environment by dispersing seeds, helping to keep the forest healthy and diverse. While they are small compared to some primates, their energy and speed make them masters of the treetops.

Socially, moustached guenons are lively and vocal. They live in groups and use a wide range of calls, facial expressions, and body language to communicate. Their alarm calls are sharp and loud, warning others about dangers like eagles or leopards. Interestingly, they often form mixed-species groups with other guenon species, giving them extra protection against predators and more sets of eyes scanning the forest. This ability to live peacefully with other monkeys makes them stand out as one of the more cooperative primates.

And of course, there are the fun and quirky details that make them unforgettable. Their playful behavior—chasing, grooming, and leaping about—makes them entertaining to watch, and their bright colors can almost look cartoonish in the green canopy. Despite their funny appearance, they are clever and cautious, quickly spotting danger and darting away through the trees with lightning speed.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Angola

2017

Cabinda

Cameroon

2017

Central Af. Rep.

2017

Congo-Brazzaville

2017

DR Congo (Kinshasa)

2017

Equatorial Guinea

2017

Gabon

2017