L’hoest’s Monkey

Found in the upper eastern Congo basin, the L’Hoest’s Monkey is keen on mountainous forest areas, and lives in small, female-led groups. These groups typically only host one male, which stays short stints with various gatherings of female relatives. Most commonly identified by their dark coat and characteristic white beard, these forest primates are weary of predators, especially crowned hawk-eagles and leopards.

To avoid risk of predation while sleeping, the L’Hoest’s Monkey sleeps in groups, nestled in the trees. A herbivore, it snacks primarily on items found in the forest heights like fruits, mushrooms and herbs, but occasionally dabbles in a diet of eggs, lizards and small birds. When young, the L’Hoest’s Monkey can often be found entwining its tail with its mother’s.