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Cercopithecus
nictitans
Putty nosed guenons are the largest of the
African forest guenons. Their extremely long tail (up to 1 meter) assists with
balance as they negotiate the upper canopy of the rainforest. Although generally
considered high canopy species, they are somewhat
adaptable in their choice of habitat, however, and can be observed in middle and
lower canopy swamp forest as well as upper canopy high forest. They form multispecies foraging groups with other primates, including red-eared and mona
guenons.
Their distinctive bright white nose and chest
stand out in stark contrast to the dark black (grizzled with green) head, body
and tail. The distinctive "peow" territorial loud call of the male easily
identifies them sight unseen in the dense canopy of the rainforest. Recent
research by scientists has highlighted that male putty nosed guenons may combine
'peow' calls with 'hack' calls in different ways when faced with threats by
different types of predators (crowned eagles versus leopards).
Classification of putty nosed guenons is
currently under debate. Traditionally, scientists have recognized three
subspecies of putty nose guenons, Cercopithecus nictitans nictitans,
C. n. martini and C. n. stampflii. A new subspecies, C. n.
ludio is now being proposed for the species found in Cross River State,
part of an area known as the Cameroon faunal region. Apart from their
distinctive white markings, they also have a rust-red sub-caudal patch which is
absent in other sub-species. |
