Facts About Golden Monkey Safari Uganda and Rwanda : Golden monkeys are known as another primate species which are active species that are listed as endangered. They can only see in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. More fact, golden monkey is scientifically referred to as Cercopithecus mitis kandti, however are considered as an endangered species as they only live in the Virunga and makes a total of about 4,000 individuals.
More so, golden monkeys can see in the Virunga Volcanic region that spans from Northern Rwanda, Eastern Congo and Southwestern Uganda.
Facts about golden monkey? They are considered as golden monkey facts, habitat, diet and social habits.
Physical
Golden monkeys are named after the way they look. With golden orange patch straight from their long tail to its back and cheeks and some darker patchers on the legs, arms and face but captivating look from the other primate animals in the wild.
The female species are lighter than the males.
Diet
Golden monkeys are herbivores. They are anatomically and physiologically wired to feed on plant materials. They eat about 20 to 30 types of plants and an occasional insect ‘’invertebrates’’ found on leaves.
They are commonly known for feeding on bamboo leaves most especially in thr rainy season.
Golden monkeys also love to eat lots of fruits but will divert back to the bamboo stems once the season is over.
Reproduction in Golden Monkey
Golden monkeys have polygynous relationships. The male monkey in the group mates with all the females.
Amazing fact, the females are the initiators of this mating ritual which is quite increasing.
They have a gestation period of five months and the youngling is born with fur and eyes wide open. The golden monkey mother can take care of the baby for about two years before it joins another group.
Freedom to join new monkey groups, form their own packs. However, it is still classified as an endangered species which confined only in the Virunga.
Lifespan
Golden monkeys can live up to 19 years. More fact, male monkeys’ range between 48 and 67 cm and a female range about 46 to 53 centimeters, making them smaller than the male.
The males can weigh estimate of about 4.5 to 7kilograms while the females weigh up to about 3.5 to 4.5 kilograms. Meaning, golden monkeys are not large animals.
Habitat
Golden monkeys are endemic animals that live in area with lots of fruits and bamboo, trekking in between the rainy and sunny season.
During the rainy season – the bamboo grows up which is favorable for the golden monkeys to homes and it’s near to the plenty of food supply. Then in the dry season can be less bamboo and some of them move on to the rest of the mountain in search of fruits and other unique plants.
Social Behavior
Golden monkeys are known as social species that live in groups of 30 to 80 individuals. The male golden monkey is the head of the group and has the authority to mate with all the female golden in the family.
The golden monkey group vary in sizes according to the altitudes of their habitats. Number of golden monkeys in higher altitude area live in smaller groups compared to their counterparts in lower altitude.
Female species are responsible for ensuring the safety of their territories and their offspring till they are old enough.
They love sleeping in groups of four in thick bamboo areas that provide enough shelter to sleep during the night.
Others facts;
Golden monkeys have patch straight from their long tail to its back and cheeks. Some have darker patches on the legs arms and have faces that gives them a weird but captivating look from other species of primates in the wild.
Get started planning a safari to meet up with these playful species ‘’Golden monkeys’’ and also have chances of seeing other primates like baboons, colobuses and L’Hoests monkeys among others. In Uganda Golden monkeys can be seen in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and in Rwanda can be spotted in Volcanoes National Park and in Eastern of Democratic Republic of Congo.
Travelers who are interested in tracking these active creatures – golden monkeys .Don’t hesitate to contact us Achieve Global Safaris about your specific need
