The Allen's swamp monkey (Allenopithecus nigroviridis)
The Allen's swamp monkey (Allenopithecus nigroviridis) is a species of Old World monkey and the only member of the genus Allenopithecus. Phylogenetically, it is a sister clade to the guenons, but differs in dentition and habits.
Allen's swamp monkey was named after American zoologist Joel Asaph Allen.
Habitat
Allenopithecus nigroviridis is a species of catarrhine primate of the family Cercopithecidae endemic to the forests of the Congo, where it was discovered in 1923. It is the only member of the genus Allenopithecus. The genus in question is a sister clade to Cercopithecus, but differs in its dentition and habitats.
Allenopithecus nigroviridis Allenopithecus nigroviridis is common in central Africa - Zaire and northeastern Angola. Unlike other primates in the region, it lives exclusively in humid forests.
Appearance
The physique of Allenopithecus nigroviridis (as it is called) is quite compact. Its coat is soft and silky, greyish-green on the back and pale grey (sometimes with a reddish tinge) on the belly, it has a pinkish-brown muzzle and long, lion-cheeked cheeks, somewhat resembling a lion's mane. The limbs of Allenopithecus nigroviridis are short but strong; there is a small but visible membrane between the toes, indicating a partially aquatic lifestyle. The sciatic calluses are more developed than in other apes and the hands are shorter. Sexual dimorphism is pronounced: males are larger than females and reach a length of 45-60 cm (tail up to 50 cm) and a weight of 6 kg (females rarely weigh more than 3.5 kg).
Lifestyle and nutrition
Allenopithecus nigroviridis has a diurnal, semi-domestic lifestyle. In search of food, it spends a lot of time on the ground, moving on all four limbs. It is also an excellent swimmer and can dive to escape predators. Allenopithecus nigroviridis live in groups of 23 to 57 animals with several adult males. When feeding, the group divides into several subgroups (2-6 individuals each). These primates often rest and sleep near water, repeatedly using the same resting places. Group members look after each other (removing dead skin and parasites), thus reinforcing their social bonds.
Allenopithecus nigroviridis feeds on the ground and in shallow water. Its diet consists of leaves, fruits, flowers (with nectar), roots and small animals (small fish and invertebrates: bugs, worms).
Reproduction
Little is known about the sexual behaviour of Allenopithecus nigroviridis. The young are born at their peak in June. The female usually gives birth to one young weighing up to 220 g. At first, the young hang on to the mother, clinging to her fur. The young are weaned at three months of age and reach sexual maturity at 3-5 years. These primates have a lifespan of up to 23 years.
