Unveiling the Species of Monkeys in Uganda: A Fascinating Journey into the Wild.
Monkey Species Found in Uganda; Commonly known as the “Pearl of Africa,” Uganda is a land of rich biodiversity, and among the many captivating sights is seeing the habitant of different monkey species. From the rainforests of Kibale and Bwindi to the mountain forests of Mgahinga, no place is out of bounds for these primates. Each species possesses different features and behaviors that contribute differently to Uganda’s diversified ecosystems. Let’s explore some of the remarkable monkey species that make Uganda their home.
Vervet Monkey (Chlorocebus pygerythrus).
The vervet monkey is a relatively common primate that appears throughout much of Uganda; this animal can be easily identified based upon its greenish-gray fur and unmistakable black face. Individuals are highly adaptable and have been spotted in a wide range of habitats, including everything from savannah to woodlands. They can be seen in social troops usually controlled by a single male and are thought to be playful, curious animals. These are omnivorous monkeys that feed on fruits, leaves, seeds, and insects, and can normally be seen in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, and various other reserves.
Black-and-White Colobus Monkey (Colobus guereza).
The black-and-white colobus monkey, also one of the most elegant primate species in Uganda, is well-known for its striking black and white fur. These are found in the rainforests and woodlands of western Uganda, including strict arboreality by gracefulness in movement within the trees. Leaves, seeds, and fruits constitute their diet largely; they are strictly herbivorous. These black-and-white colobus monkeys are normally observed in groups, hence making them an exciting species to watch in areas such as Kibale Forest National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Blue Monkey (Cercopithecus mitis).
The diademed monkey, commonly referred to as the blue monkey, is found in areas of Uganda’s forests and woodlands, around Lake Bunyonyi and the Bwindi region. This so-called blue monkey actually has a more grayish tint with a slight tint of blue around its face and limbs; By nature, the species is arboreal, thriving well on thick forest canopies where they feed on a diet mostly consisting of fruits, leaves, and insects. They are rather timid, and their viewing often requires strained eyes.
De Brazza’s Monkey (Cercopithecus neglectus).
De Brazza’s monkey is an interesting-looking primate with its white beard, reddish-brown forehead crest, and a body mainly covered in gray fur; It is an elusive species and often difficult to see in the wild, considering it likes to inhabit the thick undergrowth of Uganda’s forests. They are colourful, secretive, and occur around Mt. Elgon and eastern Uganda. They are primarily herbivorous, but the main components of their diet consist of fruits, seeds, and foliage.
Golden Monkey (Cercopithecus kandti).
Golden monkeys are one of the rarest and most beautiful species of monkeys in Uganda. Their brightly colored shining golden-orange fur and striking facial features definitely make them outstanding. In Uganda, these primates are found in the high-altitude bamboo forests of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, part of the Virunga Mountain range; Golden monkeys are primarily feeders on bamboo shoots, fruits, and leaves, and they tend to live in large social groups, thus being a pleasure for any onlooker. Their populations have continued to shrink due to habitat loss, although conservation efforts do take place.
L’Hoest’s Monkey (Cercopithecus lhoesti)
The L’Hoest’s monkey is a rare primate; it is brownish-black with a white beard. It is normally quiet and shy. This rare species of monkeys prefer the Albertine Rifts of Uganda’s montane forests. Largely frugivorous, the L’Hoest monkeys also feed on leaves and insects. They prefer to live in families in small groups. Normally, they are seen in the understory of the forest, especially in Bwindi and Kibale Forest.
Red Colobus Monkey (Piliocolobus tephroscele)
The Ugandan red colobus is an important critically endangered species, primarily seen in the Kibale Forest. It has red-brown fur with a long tail and is an entirely arboreal, very energetic, and social animal. The red colobus monkeys are herbivores; their diet consists of leaves, flowers, and fruits. Due to habitat loss, the population of the red colobus is threatened and their numbers conserved.
Patas Monkey (Erythrocebus patas)
The patas monkey is generally considered one of the fastest primates on the ground; it has a reddish-brown coat with long limbs; These monkeys are less arboreal compared to other species and are adapted to sprinting across the open landscapes of the savannah and grassland areas of northern Uganda. They mainly feed on insects, seeds, and fruits. Their speed and agility help them run away from their predators in the open savannah, where they can mostly be seen.
Red-Tailed Monkey (Cercopithecus ascanius)
The red-tailed monkey, also commonly referred to as the black-cheeked mangabey, is one of the more colorful primates in Uganda. This species is easily recognizable from a distance because of its bright red tail and striking facial features. The red-tailed monkey is arboreal, although more so primarily in thick forest canopies, feeding on fruits, leaves, and insects. These monopod creatures, playful and active in nature, are seen very often in Kibale Forest among other tropical forests across Uganda; The red-tailed monkeys are social; they form mixed groups with other species of monkeys, adding to the lively biodiversity within Uganda’s forests.
Gray-cheeked Mangabey (Lophocebus albigena)
The grey-cheeked mangabey is a unique monkey species with dark fur, bushy cheeks, and a generally shaggy appearance. These monkeys are found in the central and western rainforests of Uganda, especially in Kibale Forest and around the Budongo Forest Reserve. Gray-cheeked mangabeys are quite vocal and primarily feed on fruits, though seeds and small insects are also consumed. Because of their social and vocal nature, these animals easily can be located and observed, especially when they are deep in the forest.
Our Remarkable Uganda Primates Safaris.
22 Days Best of Uganda Wilderness Adventure
18 Day Exploring Uganda Safari
15 Day Gorillas-Chimps and Big Five Safari
14 Day Uganda-Rwanda Wildlife and Primates Safari
10 Day Uganda Wildlife and Primates Safari
10 Day Highlights of Uganda Safari
3 Day Gorillas and Lake Bunyonyi Safari
8 Day Gorillas-Chimps and Big Five Experience
7 Day Murchison Falls with Chimps and Gorillas
6 Day Gorilla Trekking and Queen Elizabeth
5 Day Gorillas and White Water Rafting
4 Day Kibale Forest Chimpanzee Tracking
3 Day Gorilla Trekking and Batwa Trails in Bwindi
3 Day Fly to Bwindi Gorilla Safari
Remarks on Monkeys in Uganda.
Monkeys form an interesting and vital part of the rich biodiversity found in Uganda. From the golden fur of the golden monkey shining in Mgahinga’s bamboo forests to the patas monkey, a ground-dwelling speedster, Uganda’s primates showcase different and varied behaviors, habitats, and social structures; Uganda’s forests and national parks form the best grounds on which to locate these rare types of monkeys to get their glimpse-a very rare chance to observe the subtleties of the animal world. Book this safari with Arcadia Safaris for lifetime memories of Uganda’s wild primates, guided by experts in these experiences.
