Cercopithecinae: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 03:36, 13 February 2025

Subfamily of Old World monkeys

The Cercopithecinae are a subfamily of Old World monkeys that includes many of the most well-known species of monkeys, such as the baboon, macaque, and mandrill. These primates are characterized by their cheek pouches, which they use to store food, and their complex social structures.

Characteristics[edit]

Cercopithecinae are medium to large-sized monkeys with a wide range of physical adaptations. They typically have strong limbs, a long tail, and a robust body. Their faces are often expressive, with some species exhibiting bright facial coloration, such as the mandrill.

Cheek Pouches[edit]

One of the defining features of the Cercopithecinae is the presence of cheek pouches. These pouches allow the monkeys to gather food quickly and store it for later consumption, which is particularly useful in environments where food is scarce or competition is high.

Social Structure[edit]

Cercopithecinae species are known for their complex social structures. They often live in large groups with a clear hierarchy. Social behaviors such as grooming, vocal communication, and cooperative care of young are common.

Habitat and Distribution[edit]

Cercopithecinae are found throughout Africa and Asia. They inhabit a variety of environments, from tropical rainforests to savannas and mountainous regions. Their adaptability to different habitats has contributed to their wide distribution.

Diet[edit]

The diet of Cercopithecinae is varied and includes fruits, leaves, seeds, insects, and small animals. Their omnivorous diet allows them to exploit a wide range of food resources, which is advantageous in changing environments.

Reproduction[edit]

Reproductive strategies among Cercopithecinae vary, but most species have a gestation period of about five to six months. Females typically give birth to a single offspring, which is cared for by the mother and often other group members.

Conservation[edit]

Many species within the Cercopithecinae subfamily are threatened by habitat loss, hunting, and the illegal pet trade. Conservation efforts are focused on habitat protection, anti-poaching measures, and public education to ensure the survival of these primates.

Related pages[edit]

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-Cercopithecinae is a subfamily of Old World monkeys that belongs to the family Cercopithecidae. This subfamily includes a diverse group of primates, commonly known as guenons, which are found in various parts of Africa. With over 70 recognized species, Cercopithecinae is one of the largest primate subfamilies.
+{{short description|Subfamily of Old World monkeys}}
+{{Taxobox
+| name = Cercopithecinae
+| image = Cercopithecinae Mandril.jpg
+| image_caption = Mandrill, a member of the Cercopithecinae subfamily
+}}
-== Taxonomy ==
+The '''Cercopithecinae''' are a subfamily of [[Old World monkeys]] that includes many of the most well-known species of monkeys, such as the [[baboon]], [[macaque]], and [[mandrill]]. These primates are characterized by their cheek pouches, which they use to store food, and their complex social structures.
-Cercopithecinae is classified under the family Cercopithecidae, which also includes the subfamily Colobinae. The subfamily Cercopithecinae is further divided into two tribes: Cercopithecini and Papionini. The Cercopithecini tribe consists of guenons, while the Papionini tribe includes baboons and macaques.
-== Characteristics ==
+==Characteristics==
-Guenons, or members of the Cercopithecinae subfamily, exhibit a wide range of physical characteristics. They have a slender body with a long tail, which is often used for balance while moving through trees. Their faces are usually adorned with colorful patterns, including cheek whiskers and eyebrow tufts. Guenons also have cheek pouches that allow them to store food for later consumption.
+Cercopithecinae are medium to large-sized monkeys with a wide range of physical adaptations. They typically have strong limbs, a long tail, and a robust body. Their faces are often expressive, with some species exhibiting bright facial coloration, such as the mandrill.
-== Distribution and Habitat ==
+===Cheek Pouches===
-Guenons are primarily found in the tropical rainforests and woodlands of Africa. They inhabit a wide range of habitats, including lowland forests, montane forests, and savannas. Different species of guenons have adapted to various ecological niches, allowing them to thrive in diverse environments across the continent.
+One of the defining features of the Cercopithecinae is the presence of cheek pouches. These pouches allow the monkeys to gather food quickly and store it for later consumption, which is particularly useful in environments where food is scarce or competition is high.
-== Behavior and Social Structure ==
+===Social Structure===
-Guenons are highly social animals that live in groups known as troops. These troops can vary in size, ranging from a few individuals to over 50 members. Within a troop, there is a complex social hierarchy, with dominant individuals having priority access to resources and mating opportunities.
+Cercopithecinae species are known for their complex social structures. They often live in large groups with a clear hierarchy. Social behaviors such as grooming, vocal communication, and cooperative care of young are common.
-Guenons are primarily arboreal, spending most of their time in trees. They are agile climbers and leapers, using their long tails for balance. They are also known for their vocalizations, which play a crucial role in communication within the troop.
+==Habitat and Distribution==
+Cercopithecinae are found throughout [[Africa]] and [[Asia]]. They inhabit a variety of environments, from tropical rainforests to savannas and mountainous regions. Their adaptability to different habitats has contributed to their wide distribution.
-== Diet ==
+==Diet==
-The diet of guenons is primarily herbivorous, consisting of fruits, leaves, seeds, and flowers. However, they are opportunistic feeders and may also consume insects, small vertebrates, and bird eggs when available. Their specialized cheek pouches allow them to store food while foraging, enabling them to eat quickly and safely away from potential predators.
+The diet of Cercopithecinae is varied and includes fruits, leaves, seeds, insects, and small animals. Their omnivorous diet allows them to exploit a wide range of food resources, which is advantageous in changing environments.
-== Conservation Status ==
+==Reproduction==
-Several species of guenons are currently facing threats to their survival. Habitat loss due to deforestation, as well as hunting for bushmeat and the pet trade, are the primary factors contributing to their decline. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed several guenon species as endangered or vulnerable, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts to protect these primates and their habitats.
+Reproductive strategies among Cercopithecinae vary, but most species have a gestation period of about five to six months. Females typically give birth to a single offspring, which is cared for by the mother and often other group members.
-== See Also ==
+==Conservation==
-* [[Cercopithecidae]]
+Many species within the Cercopithecinae subfamily are threatened by habitat loss, hunting, and the illegal pet trade. Conservation efforts are focused on habitat protection, anti-poaching measures, and public education to ensure the survival of these primates.
-* [[Colobinae]]
+==Related pages==
+* [[Old World monkey]]
+* [[Primate]]
+* [[Macaque]]
 * [[Baboon]]
-* [[Macaque]]
+* [[Mandrill]]
-== References ==
-<references />
-[[Category:Primate subfamilies]]
 [[Category:Old World monkeys]]
+[[Category:Primates]]