The
Collared (or
Sooty) Mangabey
is native to tropical forests. It lives on the ground and lower
layers of the forest in small groups of 4-12 individuals. It
is a very social animal with a highly developed communication
system. It actively communicates with other individuals through
shrieks and facial gestures. The Sooty mangabey is sure-footed,
moving easily among the tree branches. Its tail is partly prehensile
allowing it to keep ahold of branches. The leopard is its primary
threat.
Their
diet consists of palm nuts, seeds, fruit and leaves.
Their body is powerful although slender. It has very long legs
and a relatively short, stiff tail which is held up over its
back. Its coat is gray with a white underside. The head of mangabey
is reddish brown. The length of head and body is 65 cm, tail
70 cm and the weight is up to 12 kg.
Breeding
takes place at any time of year, with a single youngster being
born after about 6 months, fully furred and with its eyes open.
The mother gives birth wherever she happens to be, and birth
is usually at night. She eats the placenta and licks the baby
clean as it clings to her belly. Other females in the group
show great interest and try to hold new infants. Nursing becomes
less frequent after the first few months, but continues until
the next birth, usually after 2 years.
They
are found from W Nigeria to Gabon.
|