I LIVE IN CENTRAL AFRICA
From swampy areas to mountain and lowland forests, Schmidt’s red-tailed monkeys can be found throughout central Africa, in countries east of the Lualaba River such as Kenya, Rwanda, and Democratic Republic of the Congo.
I AM AN OMNIVORE
The Schmidt’s red-tailed monkey tends to eat a large variety of fruit. However, in seasons when fruit may be scarce, this monkey species will feed on leaves, flowers, and insects.
SCHMIDT’S MONKEYS ARE SOCIAL
This monkey is a very social species and tends to congregate in groups of 20 to 30 individuals. They use a variety of gestures, tail flicks, and vocalizations to communicate with other group members.
FAN OF FORAGING
The Schmidt’s monkey is an expert forager, thanks to their large cheek pouches that can store about as much food as their stomachs! This monkey species will pack these pouches full of food and then travel to a safer location to consume their finds.
HELPING THE SCHMIDT’S MONKEY IN THE WILD
The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo supports Pan African Sanctuary Alliance, a coalition of sanctuaries across Africa that works to rescue and rehabilitate monkeys and apes, as well as conduct research on different species.
I AM IMPORTANT TO MY ECOSYSTEM
Because their diet consists of fruit and other plant material, the Schmidt’s red-tailed monkey is a very important seed disperser. They play a crucial role in spreading seeds throughout their ecosystem, something that boosts biodiversity in the environment.