What kind of animal is the Diana Monkey? We will explain its characteristics, ecology, and habitat. Its coat color is clearly divided into black and white, and it is classified as the same as the long-tailed macaque. However, this monkey is an endangered species and is in a very critical situation.
What is Diana Monkey? Basic Stats
The Diana monkey is a primate classified in the Mammalia class, Primates order, Cercopithecidae family, Cercopithecidae genus. Its scientific name is Cercopithecus diana, and its English name is Diana monkey. Its body length is 50-62cm, and its weight is 5-7kg. The list of information is as follows.
| Japanese（和名） | ダイアナモンキー |
| English（英名） | Diana monkey |
| scientific name(学名) | Cercopithecus diana |
| classification（分類） | Mammalia、Primates、 Cercopithecidae、Cercopithecus 哺乳綱、霊長目、オナガザル科、オナガザル属 |
| IUCN Status(保全状況) | ENDANGERED |
| Length（体長） | 50～62cm |
| Weight（体重） | 5～7kg |
Taxonomy of Diana Monkeys
- 界 (Kingdom)： 動物界 (Animalia)
- 門 (Phylum)： 脊索動物門 (Chordata)
- 綱 (Class)： 哺乳綱 (Mammalia)
- 目 (Order)： 霊長目 (Primates)
- 科 (Family)： オナガザル科 (Cercopithecidae)
- 属 (Genus)： Cercopithecus（オナガザル属）
- 種 (Species)： Cercopithecus diana
Habitat
Diana monkeys are found in central Africa, including Guinea and Côte d’Ivoire.
- Natural Distribution
Region: West Africa
Guinea
Sierra Leone
Liberia
Côte d’Ivoire
Live primarily in lowland to mid-altitude tropical rainforests
- Habitat Characteristics
Prefers tropical rainforests
Live in densely forested areas
Mainly lives in tall trees (strongly arboreal)
Uses the mid- to upper-story forests
Environments where fruit and leaves are easily collected
Tends to prefer forests near water or rich in fruit
- Impacts of Human Activities
Habitat shrinkage due to deforestation and agricultural development
Wild capture also has had an impact, resulting in localized population declines
What are its characteristics? What kind of creature is it?
Diana monkeys have a distinct black and white coat, a tail longer than their body length, and live in trees. The cheeks, chest, and inside of the forelimbs are white, and the white hair on their foreheads gives them a crescent shape, which is why they were named after the Roman goddess of the moon, Diana. Diana monkeys love the rainforest, and when they walk, they hold their tails up.
- Appearance and Physical Characteristics
Body Length: Approximately 40-55 cm (excluding tail)
Tail Length: Approximately 55-70 cm
Weight: Males 6-9 kg, Females 4-6 kg
Coat Color:
Back and limbs are gray to dark brown
Face is black, with distinctive white eyebrows and white borders on the cheeks
Some individuals have a red patch from nose to mouth
Tail: Long, important for balance
Face: The black face with a white border creates a striking appearance
- Ecological Characteristics
Mainly arboreal (arboreal)
Moving between branches to feed on fruit and leaves
Omnivorous: Eats mainly fruit, but also leaves, flowers, and insects
Highly Sociable: Lives in small groups and actively communicates within them
- Behavior/Personality
Highly intelligent and curious
They skillfully navigate tree branches to search for food
Highly cautious
They are sensitive to the presence of predators and humans, and will flee if they sense danger
They communicate within their group through play and vocalizations
- Distinctive Impressions
“A medium-sized, arboreal monkey living in the rainforests of West Africa, with striking white eyebrows and facial contours”
An agile animal that moves quickly between branches to search for fruit and insects
What is their personality like?
Diana monkeys are highly social animals, living in groups of 10 to 30. They often compete for territory with other groups and even fight.
- Group Personality
Sociable and Cooperative
Live in small groups (usually 5-20 individuals)
Clear hierarchy and social relationships within the group
Active communication
Signal vocalizations and body movements communicate with others
Warning and play signals are shared within the group
- Vigilance/Timidity
Highly cautious
Sensitive to predators (canines, birds of prey, etc.) and humans
When sensing danger, they quickly flee up branches
Timid, rarely acting alone, and rely on the group
- Individual Differences/Male-Female Differences
Males:
Active in defending the group and maintaining rank
Warn other males and predators with threatening behavior and vocalizations
Females:
Highly cooperative, important for protecting young and maintaining group stability
- Behavioral Characteristics
Playful and curious
Jumping between branches and playing with each other
Highly intelligent and able to learn
Highly adept at learning and adapting to food sources and predator dangers
What is their ecology?
Diana monkeys are omnivorous, with a strong tendency to eat plants, and often eat leaves, flowers, fruits, seeds, resin, insects, etc. They reproduce viviparously. The gestation period is about 5 months, and they can give birth to one baby at a time. The babies are weaned in about 6 months, and both males and females reach sexual maturity in 3 years. Their lifespan is about 20 years.
- Behavior
Diurnal: Active during the day, resting in trees at night
Highly arboreal
Movement and feeding in the middle to upper forest floors
Rarely descend to the ground
Life in groups: Usually 5-20 individuals
Cooperate in groups to secure food and safety
- Diet
Omnivorous
Main Food:
Fruit: Staple food and central to group behavior
Leaves, buds, flowers
Insects and small invertebrates are also consumed as a supplement
Dexterous movement in trees to search for food
- Reproduction
Estrous/Breeding: Not dependent on a specific season; breeding is possible year-round
Gestation Period: Approximately 5-6 months
Litter Size: Usually 1
Rearing:
Mothers primarily feed and care for young animals
Young animals learn social skills through play within the group
Sexual Maturity:
Females: 3-4 years
Males: 4-5 years
- Social Structure
Packs consist of multiple males, females, and young.
They have a sense of hierarchy and territory, and they sometimes fight.
Communication:
They communicate with their peers through vocalizations, facial expressions, and body movements.
They share warning and play signals within the pack.
- Adaptation and Survival Strategies
Agility is an adaptation for arboreal life.
Omnivorous diet allows them to adapt to environmental changes.
They cooperate within the pack to protect themselves from predators (such as canines and birds of prey).
Do they have any natural predators?
Diana monkeys’ natural predators include leopards and chimpanzees.
About Diana Monkey Baby
This article provides information about Diana monkey (Cercopithecus diana) baby monkeys, focusing on their growth, behavior, and ecology from birth to independence.
- Birth, Weight, and Appearance
Gestation Period: Approximately 5-6 months
Litter Size: Usually 1 pup
Weight: Approximately 0.5-1 kg immediately after birth
Body Length: Approximately 20-25 cm (excluding tail)
Coat Color: Light gray-brown, soft fur; facial contours are still light
Tail: Long, an important organ used for balance
- Pup Behavior and Development
First few weeks:
Nursing while held by mother
Spend time in a safe place within the herd
1-3 months:
Wanders around mother and herd, practicing simple branch-walking
Develops strength and agility through small play activities
3-6 months:
Begins to eat fruit and leaves gradually
Learns foraging and danger detection by observing the behavior of mother and herd members
- Socialization and Learning
Cubs learn the social rules and hierarchy of their pack through play.
They learn danger detection, food gathering, and tree navigation from their mother and other pack members.
They also learn communication within the pack, such as vocalizations and posture, at an early age.
- Independence
Age of independence: Approximately 2-3 years
Using the skills learned from their mother and pack, they forage for food and survive on their own.
After independence, they form their own pack and territory.
- Personality of Cub
Curious and playful
Develops strength, agility, and social skills through play with their mother and siblings.
Not yet wary, they are highly dependent on their mother.
Are Diana Monkeys an Endangered Species?
Diana Monkeys are an endangered species. They are listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), so international trade is strictly restricted. They are being hunted due to habitat destruction caused by deforestation and development, and extermination as pests. They are legally protected in their habitat, and protected areas have been established and activities are being promoted.
- Classification as an Endangered Species
IUCN Red List (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Assessment:
Endangered (EN)
Wild populations are declining, and the exact number is unknown. However, deforestation poses a high risk of localized extinction.
- Main Causes of Decline
Habitat Destruction and Fragmentation
West African rainforests are declining due to agricultural development and logging.
Hunting and Poaching
They are sometimes captured for food and pets.
Forest Fragmentation
Forest fragmentation makes it difficult for populations to interact, leading to a decrease in genetic diversity.
- Conservation Efforts
International Protection:
Listed under CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora)
International trade for commercial purposes is restricted.
Local Protection:
Protected in national parks and protected areas in Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, etc.
Breeding in Zoos and Conservation Facilities:
Used for population maintenance, education, and research.
Can Diana Monkeys be kept as pets?
As mentioned above, Diana Monkeys are designated as an endangered species and are listed in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), so international trade is strictly restricted. Therefore, it is extremely difficult to keep them as pets.
- Legal Issues
Diana monkeys are endangered (IUCN: Endangered)
Listed in Appendix II of the International Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES)
Commercial import, export, and trade are strictly regulated.
Under the Wildlife Protection Act and Animal Welfare Act, keeping them without permission is likely illegal in Japan.
- Difficulties in Care
Adults are medium-sized monkeys, weighing approximately 4-9 kg.
Very arboreal and active.
High physical ability is required, and small cages can be stressful.
Highly social, they prefer to live in groups.
Keeping them alone can lead to mental instability.
- Breeding Examples
Mainly kept and bred in zoos and conservation facilities.
Very few are kept at home.
Capturing and keeping wild individuals is illegal and ethically questionable.
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