Sun-Tailed Monkey

• Common Name: Sun-tailed Monkey
• Taxonomy Classification Year: 1988
• Monkey Size: 42 to 56 cm (6 to 22 in)
• Skin Color(s): Gray-brown
• Habitat: Forest, rainforest
• Diet: Omnivorous
• Native Countries: Gabon

The sun-tailed monkey^[1] (Allocrocebus solatus) is among the most understudied primates in its habitat.

• Discovered as a new species in 1988, it is classified as a guenon, a member of the Cercopithecus genus, but later moved to the Allochrocebus genus.
• It is closely related to Allocrocebus ihoesti and Allocrocebus preussi as determined by chromosome analysis.
• Sun-tailed monkeys have grey-brown fur on most of their bodies. Their backs are rusty brown, and their tails fade to white, then the bright orange that gave them their name.
• The males’ coloring is more intense than the females, and their fur pattern is more contrasting.
• Males also have a distinctive white ruff much less developed than females.
• Juveniles are yellowish-brown throughout and eventually develop adult coloration. However, before reaching maturity, it is less vivid and less contrasting.

• Although sun-tailed monkeys primarily eat fruit, grass, and invertebrates, young sun-tailed monkeys have been hunting larger prey, including duikers, small antelope species.
• These monkeys are diurnal and probably semi-terrestrial. However, their degree of earthiness has been the subject of debate among scholars, with early reports labeling them as terrestrial species and others as more arboreal.
• Sun-tailed monkeys spend much more time on the ground during the dry season than during the rainy season.
• Sun-tailed monkeys travel primarily in quadrupeds. They also climb and jump trees and occasionally walk on two legs.
• The groups consist of one male and several females, with an average of 18 individuals. The adult sex ratio is usually five females to one male.