White-cheeked Guenon

The white-throated guenon, also known as the red-bellied monkey, is a captivating primate native to the rainforests and tropical regions of Nigeria and Benin. These diurnal creatures primarily feast on fruits, but their diet also includes insects, leaves, and occasionally crops.

Residing in small groups of four to five members, though sometimes found in larger gatherings, these arboreal primates inhabit moist and dry tropical forests, secondary bushlands, and even abandoned farmlands.

In terms of size, male white-throated guenons typically weigh between 3.5 to 4.5 kg, whereas females are slightly lighter, weighing between 2 to 4 kg. Females generally give birth to a single offspring at a time, a factor contributing to their slow population growth over the years.

At one point, these monkeys were believed to be extinct due to extensive hunting for their distinctive fur. However, a small group was fortunately rediscovered near the Niger River in 1988.

Despite their presence in forest reserves in Nigeria and sacred groves in Benin, the white-throated guenon remains endangered. Habitat loss and hunting continue to pose significant threats to their survival. These monkeys are part of the Guinean Forests of West Africa Biodiversity Hotspot, an area renowned for its rich biodiversity.

There are two subspecies of the white-throated guenon: the red-bellied guenon (Cercopithecus erythrogaster erythrogaster) and the Nigerian white-throated guenon (Cercopithecus erythrogaster pococki). Both subspecies face similar challenges and play crucial roles in maintaining the biodiversity of their regions.