Scientifically referred to as Lophocebus albigena, a grey-cheeked mangabey is an ancient monkey with a few unique features and baboon-like traits.
They are commonly found in the Central African forests, from Cameroon through to Uganda. In Uganda, they are mainly found in Kibale Forest National Park. Places like Semuliki Valley National Park and Kalinzu Forest are also said to have a small population of these apes.
A grey-cheeked mangabey is a very dark monkey that looks more like a small, hairy baboon. The thick brown fur on its body is almost unnoticeable. Anyone can think it is black.
It has a small golden color around its neck. The males are a bit bigger than the females.
These apes are quite hard to identify, but if you have seen several of their photos before, then you will not have a hard time recognizing them.
Where to find the Grey-Cheeked Mangabey in Uganda
A large population of the grey-cheeked mangabey is found in Kibale Forest National Park. Semuliki Valley National Park and Kalinzu Forest have a small population too.
These apes mostly live in various Central African forest habitats. It is said they prefer living in primary forests and swampy places. Only a few live in secondary forests.
In the past, some writers said these primates like staying at the top of the forest and hardly come down, but recently a small group was seen collecting food from the forest floor.
What do these Grey-Cheeked Mangabeys eat?
The grey-cheeked mangabey survives on fruits, figs, flowers, shoots, and insects. Their main food is fruits. The rest are eaten as a supplement.
Grey-Cheeked Mangabey Behavior
These apes live in groups of five to thirty individuals. They do not have dominant males. Almost all of them live a balanced life.
When a young male becomes an adult, it leaves its birth group and joins another group. Only females stay in their birth group.
If a group becomes too big, they split peacefully to form smaller groups. It is very rare to find males fighting for leadership. They often avoid each other to stay out of trouble.
