Golden monkey

The golden monkey is an intriguing species of Old World monkey that inhabits the Virunga volcanic mountains of Central Africa. These striking creatures can be found in national parks across Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Although once considered a subspecies of the blue monkey, golden monkeys are distinguished by their beautiful golden-orange patches on the upper flanks and back.

These social animals live in groups that can include up to 30 individuals. Their diet is quite varied, encompassing bamboo, leaves, fruit, and even insects. Unfortunately, the golden monkey is currently endangered, primarily due to habitat destruction and conflicts within its limited range.

Golden monkeys thrive in areas abundant in fruit and bamboo, migrating seasonally to follow the availability of these resources. They favor mixed fruit and bamboo habitats and are frequently found in bamboo forests. Interestingly, group sizes tend to be smaller at higher elevations. They also have specific sleeping areas, typically atop bamboo plants, to which they return regularly.

Their diet principally consists of bamboo leaves, fruits, branchlets, shoots, invertebrates, flowers, and shrubs. The availability of fruit can significantly influence their feeding habits. Conservation efforts are critical for their survival, as illegal activities such as tree felling and bamboo removal pose substantial threats to their habitat. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified the golden monkey as endangered, underscoring the need for urgent conservation measures.