Golden monkeys in Rwanda are basically found in the bamboo vegetation towards the base of the volcanoes. With only around 5000 golden monkeys surviving in the whole world, Rwanda trek is incomplete without an encounter with these endangered species.
The prime places to spot Golden Monkeys in Rwanda are Mgahinga national park, Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda, Virunga as well as Kahuzi Biega in the far eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
It is believed that golden monkeys are sub-species of blue monkeys as they share the almost same look. The golden-orange patch on the upper back and flanks makes the golden monkeys look different from blue monkeys.
Features of Golden monkeys of Rwanda:
- Golden monkey gets its name for its striking bright, vibrant, golden orange cheeks.
- The golden monkey is currently recognized as its own genetically unique species.
- The Golden monkey is estimated to have a population of only 2,500-3,500 and the population is gradually diminishing.
- The Golden monkeys often live in social groups of about 30 to 80 individuals.
- The golden monkey munch on up to 30 species of plants, however, they love to eat bamboo.
- The mating rituals of the golden monkeys are known as “polygynous” where one male in the pack nearly mate with all the females of the pack.
- The gestation periods of golden monkeys are 5 months.
- Golden monkeys use facial expressions to communicate with each other more than vocalization.