The sun-tailed monkey (Allochrocebus solatus)
The sun-tailed monkey (Allochrocebus solatus) of Gabon is one of the least studied primates in its habitat. It was discovered as a new species in 1988, and is classified as a guenon, which is a member of the genus Cercopithecus, but was later moved to the genus Allochrocebus. It is closely related to Allochrocebus preussi and Allochrocebus Ihoesti, which has been determined by chromosomal analysis. Sun-tailed monkeys prefer shady areas with dense vegetation. However, even after small clearings, populations may not be affected. Much of their nutrition remains unknown and is still being studied, but it is known that they prefer fruit. Their social groups consist of one male and several females. Sun-tailed monkeys are generally less aggressive towards related individuals, which is noteworthy because it has been found that, in other primate species, aggression rates towards related individuals are often as high or higher than aggression rates towards unrelated individuals. Within their social groups, individual monkeys show preference for their mothers over their fathers, and are generally less aggressive towards other monkeys with which they are spatially associated.
Description
Allochrocebus solatus from Gabon is one of the least studied primates in its habitat. It was discovered as a new species in 1988, and is classified as a guenon, which is a member of the genus Cercopithecus, but was later moved to the genus Allochrocebus.
Related species are Cercopithecus lhoesti and Cercopithecus preussi. Adults weigh between 4 and 9 kg. The coat is dark grey with white markings and the tail is long.
Distribution
Allochrocebus solatus is a terrestrial animal found in the mountainous and rainy areas of Gabon.
Behaviour and nutrition
Allochrocebus solatus form small groups consisting of a mature male, several females and their young. Their diet consists mainly of fruit.
Allochrocebus solatus on the Red List
The IUCN has given the species the status of Vulnerable.
Conservation status
The Sun-tailed monkey is a Class B protected species under the African Convention and Appendix II of CITES. The Gabonese government gave it protected status in 1994 and some animals are kept there in captivity. Around 10% of the monkey's habitat is in the Lopé National Park, but the highest density is at the Foret des Abeilles, which is still unprotected. It is recommended that there should be more monitoring of hunting and logging activity in its habitat, as well as more research into the distribution and biology of the species in general. Occasionally, there have been reports of monkeys raiding crops in local villages. However, there is not much study into how these interactions with humans affect the populations as a whole.
