Lincoln Park Zoo

Common name: Allen's swamp monkey Latin Name: Allenopithecus nigroviridis Class: Mammals Order:    Primates Description A strong, stocky primate, the Allen's swamp monkey is covered in gray/green fur. Toes and fingers are webbed. Males are much larger than females. Wiry young are extremely active, bouncing between branches while more sedate parents look on.

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Range
The Congo Basin to western Zaire

Status
Near threatened. Like many African monkeys, these animals are killed for bushmeat, often by hunters operating from boats.

Habitat
Limited to swamp forests, the Allen's swamp monkey is diurnal (active during the day) arboreal (tree-dwelling) but semi-terrestrial.

Niche
They forage for food on the ground and browse in shallow water for fish and insects.

Life History
Allen's swamp monkeys live in groups of up to 40. They communicate with gestures and calls. Males emit a deep, throaty croak. Single births are most common, which are nursed by the dam. Young are weaned by three months and begin eating fruits, leaves, beetles and worms. Birds, snakes and other primates hunt swamp monkeys.

Special Adaptations

• Young swamp monkeys emit a chirpy sound, often to indicate alarm.
• Webbed fingers and toes enable Allen's swamp monkeys to swim well. They will dive into water to elude predators such as eagles, snakes and pygmy chimpanzees.