A rare monkey found only along a narrow stretch of the lower Tana River in southeastern Kenya. Unlike many more widespread relatives, this species lives in a very limited range. It has a slender build, a long tail, and a coat of grayish-brown fur with a lighter belly. The most eye-catching feature is its head: a small crest of darker hair gives it a slightly “messy-haired” look, and its expressive face is framed with pale skin and bright eyes. Compared to more colorful primates, the Tana River mangabey has a subtle beauty, but its distinct appearance and behavior make it stand out from other monkeys in the same region.

This mangabey’s close tie to the riverine forest makes it different. While many primates can adapt to open woodlands or savannas, the Tana River mangabey depends heavily on the dense gallery forests that line the river. These forests provide fruit, seeds, young leaves, and insects, which make up most of its diet. The monkeys often forage on the ground as well as in the trees, using their strong hands to dig through leaf litter for hidden food. Their powerful jaws allow them to crack open tough fruits and seeds that many other monkeys cannot manage, giving them a unique niche in the ecosystem. Because their home is so tightly linked to the river, their survival depends on the health of the forest patches along the Tana.

Unlike some primates that spend much of their time high in the canopy, these mangabeys are often seen clambering along low branches or foraging on the ground. This mix of arboreal and terrestrial habits helps them exploit a wider range of food, but it also exposes them to predators, which is why vigilance and group cooperation are so important.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Kenya

1,000

Official estimate

CR

2019