Samango Monkeys

Samango monkeys are a subspecies group of the Sykes monkey, distinguished by their habitat preference for dense forests, which provides them protection from predators and a rich diet of fruits. They are arboreal and diurnal, spending most of their time in the treetops to forage and avoid ground-based dangers. Living in smaller groups compared to other monkey species, samango troops are organized around a core of related females, with males either solitary or loosely associated with these groups. Despite their widespread range and adaptability to various forested environments, Samango monkeys face threats from deforestation and habitat degradation, emphasising the need for targeted conservation efforts to preserve their natural habitats and ensure their survival.

Scientific Name: Civettictis civetta (African Civet) and various species under the family Viverridae for other civet types.

Habitat: The samango monkey prefers forested areas, ranging from montane and coastal forests to woodland and forest-savanna mosaics across sub-Saharan Africa.
Diet: Primarily frugivorous, consuming a wide variety of fruits, but also eats leaves, flowers, seeds, and occasionally invertebrates.
Physical Characteristics: Samango monkeys have a distinctive dark fur with a lighter underbelly, and males are notably larger than females. They feature cheek pouches for storing food and have a long, bushy tail.
Lifespan: They can live up to 30 years in captivity, but their lifespan in the wild is generally shorter, often around 20 years.
Reproduction: Females reach sexual maturity at about 3 to 5 years of age, while males mature at around 5 to 6 years. The gestation period is around 5 to 6 months, typically resulting in the birth of a single infant.
Conservation Status: Classified as Least Concern by the IUCN overall, but some subspecies are at risk due to habitat loss, fragmentation, and hunting.

Samango Monkeys at Chipangali

Belinda

Species: Samango Monkey
Age on Arrival: Approx. 2 years
Arrival Date: 22 October 2019
Sex: Female

Belinda’s Story:  Rescued from a life of confinement and neglect in the Honde Valley, Belinda’s arrival at Chipangali signified a fresh start. Her rescue by Kevin and Ryan, amidst a mission to release gaboon vipers, underscores the sanctuary’s unwavering dedication to saving lives across species. Today, Belinda’s story inspires a message of hope and transformation, emblematic of the sanctuary’s broader mission.

Cindy

Species: Samango Monkey
Age on Arrival: 45 Years
Arrival Date: 10 January 2006
Sex: Female

Cindy’s Story:  Cindy’s journey to Chipangali is a testament to the sanctuary’s commitment to providing refuge and respect to all, regardless of age or past. Having faced aggression and displacement, her integration into the sanctuary alongside another Samango monkey marks a new chapter of dignity and peace, offering her a serene environment to live out her days surrounded by care and understanding.

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Top Image: Charles J. Sharp, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Profile Image: Donald Macauley, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
RHS Image: Bernard DUPONT, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikipedia Commons