Golden monkeys are subspecies of the Sykes monkey also known as blue monkey and they prefer to be in troops of around 60 individuals. For differentiation, golden monkeys have bright orange fur spread out all over their bodies giving them that stunning appearance.
Besides the premier gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park, the golden monkeys are also available for adventure.
These golden-furred primates prefer to inhabit their look-alike section of the volcanic National Park forest. In the golden and green bamboo tree canopies, golden monkeys find their shelter.
Reasons could be for camouflage as it is gold for gold but a $100 permit will be enough to make sure you end up in the company of these critically endangered primates.
Their IUCN endangered status means that their protection remains a priority for RDB so a few guidelines will be essential to the success of your golden monkey tracking adventure.
Why golden monkeys are called so?
Golden monkeys get their name for their striking golden coloring. With bright, vibrant golden orange back and tails, jet black head and legs give them that stunning visual effect.
How long does a golden monkey trek last?
For 60 minutes, you will watch these agile primates tangle from tree to tree as they give you moments worth capturing.
Lifespan of golden monkeys’
Golden monkeys have a lifespan of approximately 19 years and females are responsible for the safety and protection of their offspring until they can live independently.
Where can I find golden monkeys?
The golden monkeys are specifically found in the highland forests of the Virunga conservation area and they call volcanoes, Mgahinga, and Virunga national parks are home and habituated for trekking here.
With about 4000 individuals left in the wild, golden monkeys are classified as endangered by the IUCN.
Golden monkeys are endemic to the Virunga massif and can only be found here across the globe.
Golden monkeys prefer the high altitudes which have lots of vegetation to supplement their intricate diet so golden monkey trekking will allow you to explore the higher volcano ranges.
Golden monkey weight.
Golden monkeys weigh 4.5 to 7 Kg and this explains their agility and portability displayed while they swing from tree to tree. Females are considered much lighter than males weighing only up to 5kgs.
Golden monkey diet.
Golden monkeys are primarily herbivores. A golden monkey meal usually consists of fruits, bamboo shoots, bamboo branch lets, and bamboo leaves while an invertebrate snack would be highly appreciated as they swing from tree to tree.
With their digestive tract, golden monkeys are known to consume about 20 to 30 types of plants and get rewarded with any invertebrate resting on these leaves.
Golden monkey social structure.
Golden monkeys are highly social and find safety and comfort living in groups of 60 to 80 individuals who forage, play, and shelter together in the bamboo zones.
How do golden monkeys sleep?
Whenever its nap time, just like chimpanzees and gorillas, golden monkeys also nest using bamboo and usually prefer having a night’s rest in a group since this ensures their safety, warmth, and bonding.
Being polygamous, male golden monkeys mate with all females however like most primates, females are responsible for enticing and expressing their interest in the males. And when the female golden monkey wins over her guy, its mating time.
Golden monkey Gestation period.
The golden monkey gestation period lasts 5 months. Golden monkey babies look unique with fur and very big eyes and it’s their mothers’ duty to nurture them to growth.
RARE FACT: It is less known that golden monkeys are domestic monkeys in the wild. With the ability to weave bamboo together and create a sort of gazetted area, they return to this same place for some good time every day to have a night’s rest after days a long day of foraging just like humans.
This behavior is unlike in gorillas and chimpanzees which use a single nest for each night.
Are golden monkeys intelligent?
Like most monkeys, these golden furred species are very intelligent and resourceful which adds to their charm making them a real joy to watch.
Humans are golden monkeys’ biggest threat as they cut down bamboo trees, the monkey’s favorite home. Poaching of these precious monkeys for their meat and fur is a threat to me and you ought to join efforts and fight.
Golden monkey trekking permit: how much does a golden monkey trekking permit cost?
$100. A golden monkey trekking permit to volcanoes national park costs $100 and can be obtained prior to the trekking date by your tour operator from Rwanda Development Board.
Here’s a link to give all the information you need for your next golden monkey trekking adventure in Uganda or Rwanda with www.beautifulsafarisuganda.com
To primate lovers.
For anyone with a primate fascination, a Uganda-Rwanda safari is one for you as all big primates will be on your bucket list plus much more thrill, adventure and fun. Click here for any further inquiries and free quotes so you can join in and we explore the tropical forests together.
FROM THE VIRUNGA MASSIF WITH LOVE.