Reproduction

These primates may mate with multiple individuals. When females are ready to mate their buttocks will swell.

The collared mangabey will give birth to a single infant after 167-176 days. On occasion they may have twins. While young are almost entirely hairless at birth they do already have the red colored crown.

Newborns will cling to the mothers fur and be carried through the forest. Initially they move around on her underside but as they become older they will move on to her back.

Once the males reach sexual maturity they will leave their natal group and find another. Occasionally they can not find one and they live alone for a period of time.

Weaning occurs at 7-10 months old but they may remain with their mother for 1-3 years.

Females reach sexual maturity at 4 years old while males mature later between 5 and 7 years old.

Behavior

These primates are extremely social and live in groups which include up to 30 members. Some extra large groups may grow up to 60 members. This may include a number of adult males unlike other species which tend to only include a single male.

Females form the core of the group and they maintain a strict hierarchy.

At night they may split in to smaller groups to sleep.

Collared mangabeys will create a range of vocalizations which carry long distances across their environment. They may be heard as far as 1km (0.6miles) away. These can be used to mark their territory.

Communication may occur with one another using their white tail tip. This tail is carried over the back when travelling through the forest.

Much of their day is spent in the trees where they forage and sleep but they may also come down to the ground to forage for mushrooms or animal prey.

Predators and Threats

Natural predators of the collared mangabey include leopards and eagles.

To escape predators which can climb they will take to the ground and run away.

The population of the collared mangabey is currently decreasing and they are now thought to be rare across much of their range. An increasing population in their range is fueling further demand for this land.

These animals face a range of threats including habitat loss for conversion to agriculture. One of their most significant threats is hunting to supply the bushmeat trade. They are seen as providing one of the highest yields of meat per individual captured.

Newly created roads in to the forests they inhabit has increased access for hunters.

Quick facts

The collared mangabey is also known as the white-collared or red-capped mangabey.

Their scientific name, Cerocebus, means "tail monkey."