Sclater's guenons

Visit the primate photogallery

At CERCOPAN we provide sanctuary to 6 different primate species, from two families of primates: the guenons, small, compact, long-tailed monkeys and mangabeys, more robust larger long tailed monkeys. Currently we are rehabilitating 6 different species: 5 guenons and the red capped mangabey.

The forests of this biodiversity 'hotspot' where CERCOPAN works is known as the Cameroon faunal region, and includes the area east of the Cross River and south west Cameroon. The primate community of this region are particularly rich with over a dozen indigenous species. Together with the area of the Niger Delta west of the Cross River, some of the most endangered primates in Africa are found here. This includes the Sclater’s guenon (Cercopithecus sclateri), red-eared guenon (Cercopithecus erythrotis), drill monkey (Mandrillus leucophaeus), and the red-capped mangabey (Cercocebus torquatus). Other species include the mona guenon (Cercopithecus mona), the putty nosed guenon (Cercopithecus nictitans ludio), the crowned guenon (Cercopithecus pogonias), Preuss' red colobus (Procolobus preussi) and several prosimians. Further north we also find savannah species, Cercopithecus tantalus and Erythrocebus patas. Many of these species coexist in the same primate communities, often forming mixed species assemblages for feeding and resting.

Under threat
However, years of intensive hunting for the bushmeat trade have decimated primate populations throughout this region - if we don't act now some of these species could disappear forever. At CERCOPAN we are rehabilitating guenons and mangabeys  - 6 species altogether, with long term plans for restore vital primate communities in the region. Rescued 'byproducts' of the trade in bushmeat, these primates are rehabilitated into social groups and act as ambassadors for conservation of their species in our education programme - some will eventually be reintroduced - some are the only individuals in captivity anywhere in the world.