Red-tailed monkeys are widely distributed in Central Africa, from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania and Kenya in the east to Central African Republic and South Sudan in the north. These primates are diurnal, meaning they are most active in the early morning and evening.
Red-tailed monkeys inhabit a variety of habitats including savanna woodland, dry deciduous forest, mountain forests and even coastal mangrove swamps. They have adapted to living close to humans as well and can be found near agricultural land and plantations. In some areas red-tailed monkeys have been observed living among riverine forests or mountain forests at altitudes of up to 2200 metres.
The red-tailed monkey is omnivorous, eating mainly fruits supplemented with leaves, flowers and insects. They live in troops ranging from 10 to 30 individuals with one dominant male who has exclusive mating rights with the females of his troop. Red-tailed monkeys display a variety of vocalisations including loud calls whih can be heard up to 1km away!
Red-tailed monkeys are important for their role as seed dispersers in their habitat as they often travel long distances while foraging for food. Unfortunately these animals are threatened by deforestation due to human activity which has led to a decrease in available habitat for them. Conservation efforts must be taken in order to ensure the survival of these fascinating primates!
Habitat of the Red-Tailed Monkey
Red-tailed monkeys are native to a vast region in central Africa, ranging from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania and Kenya in the east, to Central African Republic and South Sudan in the north. These primates prefer tropical forests and woodlands, where they inhabit an arboreal lifestyle. In these habitats, red-tailed monkeys feed mainly on fruits and seeds. They are also kown to consume flowers, leaves and insects. These monkeys form social groups of up to 30 individuals which typically consist of several females with their young and a single male. They can be seen leaping among the trees or resting in the branches during the day before returning to their nests at night.
Conclusion
Red-tailed monkeys are found throughout central Africa, extending north to Central African Republic and South Sudan, east of the Lualaba River in Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania and Kenya. They are diurnal animals and generally active in the early morning and evening. This wide distribution makes them one of the most widely distributed primates in central Africa.
