Crested mangabey

Crested mangabeys are captivating Old World monkeys native to West Africa. These primates, belonging to the genus Lophocebus, are easily recognized by their dark skin, matching eyelids, and distinctive hair crests on their heads.

Initially, scientists believed that crested mangabeys were closely related to another group of monkeys from the genus Cercocebus. As a result, all species were initially classified under a single genus. However, further research revealed that Lophocebus species are actually more closely related to baboons of the genus Papio, while Cercocebus species are more closely related to mandrills.

A noteworthy development in 2006 further altered our understanding: the highland mangabey, originally categorized under Lophocebus, was reclassified into a new genus called Rungwecebus. This reclassification underscores the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of primate taxonomy.