Sooty mangabey

Sooty Mangabey (Cercocebus atys) is a species of Old World monkey found primarily in the forests of West Africa. This primate is known for its distinctive dark fur, which ranges from grey to black, and its relatively large size compared to other mangabeys. The sooty mangabey is a terrestrial and arboreal animal, spending much of its time foraging for food on the ground but also utilizing the trees for feeding and sleeping. This species plays a significant role in its ecosystem by dispersing seeds and thus contributing to forest regeneration.

Description

The sooty mangabey is characterized by its sooty-grey to black fur, with a paler underside. Adults typically weigh between 5 to 10 kg, with males being larger than females. They have a long tail, which aids in balance, and a distinctive facial appearance with a pronounced muzzle and large, forward-facing eyes. Their hands and feet are adapted for both terrestrial locomotion and arboreal movements, allowing them to move efficiently on the ground and in the trees.

Habitat and Distribution

Sooty mangabeys are found in a variety of forest habitats, including primary and secondary forests, mangrove forests, and bamboo forests. Their range extends from Senegal in the west to Ghana in the east, with isolated populations possibly existing further east. They prefer habitats with dense undergrowth, which provides cover and a variety of food sources.

Behavior

Sooty mangabeys live in large, multi-male, multi-female groups, with group sizes varying widely but can include up to 100 individuals. They have a complex social structure, with a dominance hierarchy present among both males and females. These primates are diurnal, active during the day, and spend a significant amount of time foraging for a wide variety of foods, including fruits, seeds, leaves, and insects.

Reproduction

Females give birth to a single offspring after a gestation period of approximately 5 to 6 months. The interbirth interval can be as long as two years, depending on environmental conditions and the availability of resources. Juveniles are cared for primarily by their mothers but also receive attention from other members of the group.

Conservation Status

The sooty mangabey is classified as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The primary threats to this species include habitat loss due to deforestation for agriculture and logging, as well as hunting for bushmeat. Conservation efforts are focused on habitat protection and the establishment of protected areas, as well as education and sustainable management practices in regions where they are found.

Health and Research

Sooty mangabeys are of particular interest to medical research because they are natural hosts for the simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), which does not cause AIDS in this species. Studies of sooty mangabeys have provided valuable insights into the mechanisms of HIV resistance and are contributing to the development of treatments and vaccines for HIV/AIDS in humans.

See Also

• Primate
• Old World monkey
• Conservation status
• Habitat destruction
• Simian immunodeficiency virus