Reproduction in Golden monkeys
Golden monkeys have polygamous relationships. The male monkey in the group mates with all the females.
Amazing fact, the females are the initiators of this mating rituals which is quite increasing.
They have gestation period of 5 months and the youngling is born with fur and wide eyes open. The golden monkey mother can take care of the baby for about two years before it joins another group.
Freedom to join new monkey groups, form their own packs. However, it’s still classified as endangered species which confined only in the Virunga.

Social behavior

Golden monkeys are known as social species that live in groups of 30 to 80 individuals. The male golden the male golden monkey is the head of the group and has the authority to mate with all the female in group in the family.

The golden monkey group vary in sizes according to the altitudes of their habitats. Number of golden monkeys in higher altitude area live in smaller groups compared to their counter parts in lower altitude.

Female species are responsible for ensuring the safety of their territories and their offspring till they are old enough.

They love sleeping in groups of four in thick bamboo areas that provide enough shelter to sleep during the night.

Life span

Golden monkeys can live up to 19 years. More fact, male monkeys’ range between 48 and 67cm and a female range about 46 to 53 centimeters, making them smaller than the male.

The males can weigh estimate of about 4.5 to 7 kilograms. Meaning, golden monkeys are not large animals.

Other facts;

Golden monkeys have patch straight from their long tail to its back and cheeks. Some have dark patches on the legs arms and have faces that gives them a weird but captivating look from other species of primates in the wild.

Predators of golden monkeys

Golden monkeys are primarily threatened by birds of prey, small carnivorous wild cat, and humans.

Natural predators

Birds of prey. The African crowned eagle is the primary natural predator for golden monkeys.

Wild cats: The African golden cat and leopards are known to hunt.

Human threats

Humans are considered as the biggest active threat to these primates.

Habitat destruction: Local deforestation and the clearing of the bamboo forest, which Golden monkeys rely on for food and shelter, severely impact their population

Poaching and snares: while targeted for meat by some poachers, they are frequently injured or killed by snares illegally set for other forest animals.

Where to see Golden monkeys

Golden monkeys in Uganda are only found in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The golden monkeys are rare species found only in the bamboo forest areas off Virunga volcanoes and the best way to encounter them is by under taking golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National pearl

The other only national parks to spot a healthy population of Golden monkeys in Africa are; Rwanda Volcanoes National Park, Virunga National Park, and Kahuzi Bieba National Park in Congo and there are some populations that have been spotted in Giswati Mukura National Park of Rwanda.

Things to know

Golden monkeys are much more active than gorillas, and you may have to move quicky through the forest in order to keep up with them. In many respects, it’s more like chimpanzee viewing and gorilla viewing

Standard visits are limited to one hour.

There is no minimum age for a visit. So, if you’re travelling with by our children, this is one primate experience they can enjoy with you. Take note though, walking children will find the walking though pretty hard going.

Conclusion

Golden monkeys are generally very playful (even by standards of monkeys) and they are a joy to look at. Most people who come to Uganda to track golden monkeys usually bindle it up with wildlife and gorilla trekking safari.

For those who love primates, the highlight of Uganda and Rwanda safari is usually seeing chimps, gorillas, golden monkeys and the other primate species like baboons, colobuses and Lhoest’s monkeys.