BLUE MONKEYS – The amazing blue monkeys are a species of Old World monkeys native to Central and East Africa.
They are referred to as “blue,” yet notably, they are not blue in appearance.
Only a small part of their body is blue, while the other body parts are either grey or olive. Their face has little hair, which is dark, with a pale or yellowish forehead, while their cap may be black. This distinctive appearance is similar to other primates like the vervet monkeys, which also exhibit unique color patterns.
Their feet and mantle are brown, depending on the subspecies.
They typically measure about 50 to 65 cm in length, not counting the tail.
Females are said to weigh 4 kg, while males weigh 8 kg, implying that males are bigger than females.
These monkeys always take comfort in shady areas with plenty of water.
Classified according to:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Primates
- Suborder: Haplorhini
- Family: Cercopithecidae
- Genus: Cercopithecus
The blue monkeys prefer forested or montane areas, which is why they find comfort in the moist Nyungwe Rainforest in Rwanda.
They stay up in the trees and are said to feed on leaves, fruits, flowers, seeds, and fungi. They rarely eat moving invertebrates.
While they eat plant species, only a few of them are rich in proteins.
This means their population density is generally dependent on plant species richness and diversity, much like other primates like the vervet monkeys, which also rely on a variety of vegetation for their survival.
Interestingly, there are more females than males in a group.
Once males are fully grown, they leave their mothers’ homes and look for a new group where they can mate with the females or even fight for dominance, contributing to the dynamics of biodiverse species within their habitat.
Research shows that males don’t spend much time with the young ones, so once the offspring start doing things on their own, they set off on their own journey.
In these female-bonded societies, 5-15% of the monkeys’ activities involve social interactions, such as groaning, playing, and forming relationships.
Infants often gather with their fellow peers or other infants, while females are rarely seen near adult males.
Primate trekking is one of the popular activities, mostly done throughout the year.
During high seasons, this place is flooded with primate lovers who dive into the forest very early in the morning.
They not only encounter primates but also hear the harmonious calls of beautiful birds, echoing through the trees.
Make sure you pack:
- Insect repellent
- Anti-malaria antibiotics
- Waterproof clothes
- Hiking boots
- Jackets
- A fully equipped first aid kit with items such as spirit, bandages, cotton wool, scissors, razor blades, sanitizers, and plasters, to mention but a few.
There is nothing as beautiful as the blue monkeys. Book now and encounter true beauty.
Visit Nyungwe Forest with these recommended Chimpanzee Trekking Companies or send us an inquiry below to book directly through this website.
