also known as the Sykes’ Monkey, is one of Uganda’s most interesting and beautiful primate species. Despite its name, the blue monkey is not truly blue—its fur can appear bluish-grey under certain lighting, but it’s more accurately described as slate-gray to olive with a whitish or yellowish throat and belly. These monkeys are forest dwellers and play a vital role in Uganda’s rich biodiversity.

Here’s a detailed overview of Blue Monkeys in Uganda:

1. Habitat and Distribution

– Preferred Habitat:

Blue monkeys are arboreal, meaning they live mostly in trees. They thrive in:

– Tropical rainforests

– Montane forests

– Riverine forests

– Swampy areas within forests

Where to See Them in Uganda:

They are commonly found in:

– Kibale National Park – Uganda’s primate capital

– Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

– Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

– Budongo Forest Reserve

– Queen Elizabeth National Park (in forested zones like Maramagambo)

2. Physical Description

– Size:

– Body length: 50–65 cm (20–26 inches)

– Tail length: 70–100 cm (28–39 inches), used for balance

– Weight:

– Males: 7–8 kg (15–17 lbs)

– Females: 4–5 kg (9–11 lbs)

– Fur Color:

– Despite the name, they are not vividly blue

– Fur is grayish or slate-blue, sometimes with a bluish tint in the right light

– They have a whitish or yellowish throat, chest, and belly

– Dark limbs, face, and hands

– Face:

– Dark face with whitish eyebrows or a light mask-like appearance

– Large round eyes, expressive and adapted for low light in dense forests

– Distinctive Features:

– Long tail used for balance in trees

– Cheek pouches for temporarily storing food

– Males are noticeably larger than females (sexual dimorphism)

3. Behavior and Social Structure

– Group Living:

– Blue monkeys live in female-centered groups (matrilineal), usually led by one dominant male

– Troop size: 10–30 individuals

– Females stay in their birth groups; males leave when they reach adulthood

– Social Traits:

– Very social and vocal

– Grooming is a key bonding activity

– Often found foraging silently high in the canopy

– Activity Pattern:

– Diurnal (active during the day)

– Spend most of their time in trees (rarely come to the ground)

4. Diet and Feeding Habits

– Diet: Primarily frugivorous (fruit-eating), but also:

– Leaves

– Flowers

– Young shoots

– Insects

– Occasionally small invertebrates

– They are selective feeders and help with seed dispersal, making them ecologically important.

– Feeding Behavior:

– Use cheek pouches to store food while foraging

– Mostly feed in upper canopy, where fruit is abundant

5. Reproduction and Lifespan

– Breeding: No fixed season; can breed year-round

– Gestation: About 5 months

– Offspring:

– Typically one infant per birth

– Infants cling to their mothers for the first few months

– Lifespan:

– Up to 20 years in the wild

– May live longer in captivity

6. Predators and Threats

– Natural Predators:

– Eagles (especially crowned eagles)

– Leopards

– Large snakes

– Defense:

– Alarm calls

– Staying in high forest canopies for safety

– Group cohesion and quick movements

– Human Threats:

– Habitat loss due to deforestation

– Hunting/snaring in some areas

– Occasionally involved in crop-raiding, though not as problematic as baboons

7. Conservation Status

– IUCN Status:

– Listed as Least Concern, but certain subspecies may be at more risk

– Populations are stable in Uganda due to protected forest habitats

– Conservation Measures:

– Protected in Uganda’s national parks and forest reserves

– Conservation initiatives in places like Kibale and Bwindi help preserve their habitat

8. Blue Monkeys in Tourism and Research

– Tourism:

– A highlight of primate walks in Kibale Forest

– Often seen during nature walks, birding tours, and chimpanzee tracking experiences

– Scientific Research:

– Studied for their social systems, foraging strategies, and communication

– Important indicators of forest health

Summary Table: Blue Monkeys in Uganda

| Feature | Description |

|——–|————-|

| Scientific Name | Cercopithecus mitis |

| Habitat | Rainforests, montane & riverine forests |

| Parks Found | Kibale, Bwindi, Mgahinga, Budongo, Queen Elizabeth |

| Diet | Fruits, leaves, insects, flowers |

| Group Size | 10–30 individuals |

| Conservation Status | Least Concern |

| Behavior | Arboreal, diurnal, social |

| Lifespan | Up to 20 years in the wild |