User:Ral1092/Sykes' monkey

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Sykes' monkey (Cercopithecus mitis albogularis), also known as the white-throated monkey, or Blue Monkey, is a subspecies of the blue monkey. They are a type of Vervet monkey in East Africa. It is an Old World monkey found between Ethiopia and South Africa, including the south and east Democratic Republic of Congo. It is named after English naturalist Colonel William Henry Sykes (1790-1872).

Description
Blue Monkeys have a large white patch on the throat and upper chest and a grizzled (not blackish) cap. They are mostly covered in a grey color but with a black tail. They have brown eyes with a squashed nose. Sykes' monkey's lifespan is around 27 years in the wild. Males weigh between 6-9kg females are 3-6kg and they can grow as tall as 50-70cm.

Distribution & Habitat
Sykes' monkeys are native to East Africa and thrive in a forested habitat. They are often found in highland forests with higher elevations in the mountains. Sykes' monkeys are found in groups of 10-25 individuals. These forests offer a rich diversity of plant and insect species, which is ideal for Sykes' monkeys because it is a significant part of their diet.

Diet
Sykes' monkeys' diet consists mostly of fruits, leaves, seeds, and insects. They particularly favor figs and various berries. The majority of their fiber and other essential nutrients come from leaves, buds, young shoots, and seeds. While foraging through vegetation or searching the ground, they also pick up insects and other small invertebrates.

Demography
Sykes' monkeys are commonly found in East Africa, spanning across several countries. In Kenya, they inhabit various environments, including forests, savannas, and urban areas. They are also present in Tanzania, occupying diverse regions from coastal areas to mountainous landscapes. Sykes' monkeys can be found in certain areas of Somalia, Uganda, Ethiopia, and South Sudan, where suitable habitats exist. The distribution of these monkeys is influenced by factors such as food resources, habitat availability, and human influence.

Behavior
When at rest, their bodies are stationary, and they prefer sitting for support. During motion, their entire bodies are in use, whether climbing, walking, or jumping, exerting energy. Sykes’ monkeys are arboreal species and use trees for safety from predators; they exclusively dwell in forests. They have pouches in their cheeks to utilize unsafe food sources, grab enough food, and retreat from danger. Sykes' monkeys also exhibit a bimodal feeding pattern. Female Sykes' monkeys tend to develop sexual features faster than males.

Habitat loss
Habitat has had a significant impact on Sykes' monkeys, and this follows a theme seen in many wildlife species. Habitat fragmentation and isolation can lead to habitat loss, resulting in the isolation of populations and making it harder for individuals to move within their habitat. While this reduces opportunities for social interactions, it also leads to genetic isolation. Habitat loss can also reduce food sources, eventually resulting in a loss of biodiversity. Due to habitat loss, there is an increase in Human-Wildlife conflict. As natural habitats shrink, there are more interactions between Sykes' monkeys and humans as they venture into agricultural or urban areas in search of food, as observed in Kenya.

Conservation
Conservation of Sykes' monkeys involves a combination of efforts to protect their habitat and address other threats to their populations. Establishing and maintaining protected areas or reserves where Sykes' monkeys inhabit can help conserve their natural habitats. Additionally, restoring degraded habitats enhances the availability of suitable living spaces for the monkeys. Enforcing wildlife protection laws is crucial for preventing illegal activities, such as the illegal trade of Sykes' monkeys and poaching. All of these efforts, undertaken by conservation organizations, governmental agencies, and local communities, aim to protect and sustain Sykes' monkey populations and their ecosystems.

Subspecies
Sykes' monkey was previous considered a species on its own. When it was, it had 12 subspecies:


 * C. a. albogularis – Zanzibar Sykes' monkey
 * C. a. albotorquatus – Pousargues' Sykes' monkey
 * C. a. erythrarchus – white-throated guenon
 * C. a. francescae
 * C. a. kibonotensis
 * C. a. kolbi - Mount Kenya Sykes' monkey
 * C. a. labiatus – White-lipped monkey or Samango monkey
 * C. a. moloneyi
 * C. a. monoides
 * C. a. phylax
 * C. a. schwarzi
 * C. a. zammaranoi – Zammarano's white-throated guenon