Updated
The red-tailed monkey is a small, lively forest monkey with a white heart-shaped nose spot, white cheeks and a chestnut-red tail. It is one of the most common monkeys in Uganda’s forests, including Kibale, Bwindi, Budongo, Mabira and Semuliki, and is seen on most gorilla and chimp treks. It also lives in forest patches around Entebbe and Kampala.
Habits
Red-tailed monkeys live in groups of about 10 to 35, with a single adult male, and spend their days in the middle and upper canopy. They eat fruit, insects, flowers and leaves, and store food in cheek pouches so they can feed quickly and move on. They often join mixed groups with blue monkeys, red colobus and mangabeys, sharing the job of watching for crowned eagles and chimpanzees.
Hybrids
In parts of Kibale, red-tailed monkeys interbreed with blue monkeys, and hybrid animals with mixed features turn up in some groups. This is one of the best-known cases of hybridisation among wild monkeys.
Where to see it
Watch the canopy on any forest walk in Kibale or Bwindi, and on the Bigodi swamp walk. The gorilla permit costs US$800, or US$600 in April, May and November. See our guides to Kibale Forest, Bwindi, the blue monkey and Kibale animals.
Frequently asked questions
In most forests, including Kibale, Bwindi, Budongo and Mabira.
By its white nose spot and chestnut-red tail.
Fruit, insects, flowers and leaves.
Yes, they often travel in mixed groups with other species.
