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Swamp Monkey

Allenopithecus nigroviridis

Quick Facts

Scientific name: Allenopithecus nigroviridis
Class: Mammal
Weight: 7 to 13 pounds
Life span: 23 years
Conservation status: Least concern
Number of offspring: 1 young at a time

About

I LIVE IN AFRICA

Swamp monkeys are native to central Africa and can be found in forests and near bodies of water in Cameroon, Congo, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.


I AM AN OMNIVORE

Swamp monkeys eat a variety of fruits, seeds, and leaves along with shrimp, snails, and small invertebrates.


SWAMP MONKEYS ARE SOCIAL

Swamp monkeys are social primates who tend to live in groups of 40 or more individuals! Within the group, they practice social grooming, which is seen as an act to strengthen bonds between individuals.


WONDER IN THE WATER

While there are many species on monkeys that are not able to swim, the swamp monkey is actually a very proficient swimmer. Their webbed toes help them glide through the water swiftly and smoothly. Swamp monkeys have been known to jump into bodies of water and dive underneath the surface to escape predators.


HELPING SWAMP MONKEYS IN THE WILD

The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo supports the Pan African Sanctuary Alliance, a coalition of sanctuaries across Africa that work to rescue and rehabilitate monkeys and apes, as well as conduct research on different species.


I AM IMPORTANT TO MY ECOSYSTEM

Because of their heavy diet of fruits, seeds, and leaves, swamp monkeys are excellent in aiding seed dispersal across the forest floors.


 

Conservation

Learn more about our efforts, our conservation partners around the world, and the simple steps you can take to contribute.

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