Image for African green monkey (Cercopithecus aethiops)

African green monkey (Cercopithecus aethiops)

The African green monkey, scientifically known as Cercopithecus aethiops, is a species of Old World monkey native to Central and West Africa. They have a distinctive greenish or olive-colored coat, with males typically larger and more robust than females. These primates are highly adaptable, living in forests, savannas, and wetlands. They are social animals, often found in groups, and primarily feed on fruits, leaves, and insects. African green monkeys are important for their role in ecosystems, helping with seed dispersal, and they are also widely studied in research settings.