A total of about 11 primate species live in the lush Bwindi Impenetrable National Park alone and they include diverse monkey species. The different monkeys in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest make up part of the park’s check-list of 120 mammal species. The diverse monkey species in Bwindi include l’hoest monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, l’hoest monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and others.
L’hoest monkeys
L’hoest monkeys (Allochrocebus lhoesti) also most popular as the mountain monkeys are among the unique monkeys you should expect to encounter in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. These amazing creatures come in dark coat ands and what differentiates them from other monkeys are their unique white beards.
L’hoest monkeys are the genus Allochrocebus. They have dark brown coat and a chestnut color across the back and a dark belly. The cheeks are light gray and feature a pale moustache. In terms of length, they measure between 12.5 and 27 inches, then males weigh over 6kg whereas females weight around 3.5kgs.
Apart from Uganda and D.R. Congo, the l’hoest monkeys also live in Rwanda and Burundi. They survive in the moist and high primary forests. Unlike other primates, l’hoest monkeys have a short gestation period of about 5 months and females give birth to single babies. They are largely herbivores depending mostly on fruits, herbs, roots, leaves and mushrooms.
Blue monkeys
The blue monkeys feature olive or grey coat except on their faces. The face/forehead is pale/yellowish. It derives its name from its blackish blue feet, arms and front legs. These monkey species are also popular as diademed monkeys. They depend on figs, insects, fruits, twigs and flowers. Over 50% of their diet comprises of fruits and leaves/insect make up their larger portion of proteins.
Red tailed monkeys
The red tailed monkeys (Cercopithecus ascanius) are incredible monkey species that make Bwindi Impenetrable National Park a special primate destination. These are tree-dwellers and their behaviors as well as ecology varies depending on their habitat. They are also referred to as the black-cheeked white-nosed monkeys, red-tailed guenon, etc.
The red-tailed monkeys feature the red coloration on their tails. The other features that distinguish these mammals from others include their white nose, cheeks in the midst of black/dark grey body fur. They are known for their huge cheeks which they use for gathering food and storing it in their mouths for safety.
Size – the sizes of red-tailed monkeys varies depending on individuals and sexes. The males are slightly larger than females. The body length varies from 1-2 ft exclusive of the tail. An adult male weighs about 7-10 pounds while females weight about 6-8 pounds.
They use different ways to communicate to each other. They use both physical and vocal methods to communicate in their social groups, and each method has its meaning. In a group, there can be 7-30 members of red-tailed monkeys consisting of females and males plus infants.
Vervet monkeys
Vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus pygerythrus) are among the wide-spread primates on African continent thanks to their adaptive behaviors to different habitat. A troop of vervet monkey can comprise of about 30 members. These monkey species resemble a gray langur. They have a black face with a white fringe of hair and the overall hair is largely grizzled-grey. They exhibit sexual dimorphism and in terms of weights, the males weigh about 3.9-8kg and in average, about 5.5kg and adult females weigh about 3.4 to 5.3kg.
Black and white colobus monkeys
Black and white colobus monkeys are part of the Old World monkeys of the genus colobus. They depend on leaves, fruits and flowers as part of their diet. Their social group varies from group to group. They have a unique sleeping pattern –they often sleep near a food source perhaps as a way to save their energy. They usually switch their sleeping location but not near each other’s group.