Sooty mangabey

The sooty mangabey is a captivating Old World monkey that inhabits the forests spanning from Senegal to Ghana. Although the species is generally categorized as Near Threatened, a distinct eastern variety known as the white-collared mangabey is in a more precarious state. This subspecies, identified as its own species in 2016, is classified as Endangered by the IUCN.

Thriving in the tropical regions of West Africa, sooty mangabeys are well adapted to various types of forests. These monkeys are primarily arboreal, meaning they spend most of their time in trees, and they are diurnal, being active during the day. Their diet is quite diverse, as they are omnivores, and they live in social groups, demonstrating significant social interaction.

There are two main subspecies of sooty mangabeys, and ongoing debate persists about whether these should be considered separate species altogether. One of the most intriguing aspects of sooty mangabeys is their natural infection with SIV (simian immunodeficiency virus), which has been linked to the transmission of HIV-2 to humans. They are also susceptible to leprosy.

Unfortunately, the sooty mangabey population is declining. The primary threats they face include habitat destruction, hunting, and human-wildlife conflicts. Due to these challenges, the IUCN has classified the sooty mangabey as Vulnerable, underscoring the need for conservation efforts to protect these remarkable primates.