Collared mangabey

Minor Spiritwell-documentedscientific conservation literaturenatural-history traditionsNigeriaCameroonEquatorial GuineaGabonGabon–Congo border (Atlantic coastal forests)

The collared mangabey (Cercocebus torquatus) is a real species of Old World monkey native to parts of West and Central Africa. Documented in biological and conservation literature, it is treated as a non-supernatural, arboreal primate of conservation concern rather than a folkloric entity.

Origin

Not applicable as a mythological being in the provided sources. The collared mangabey is presented in the cited materials as a biological species (Cercocebus torquatus) described by scientific taxonomy and conservation assessments rather than as a creature of mythic origin.

Appearance

A medium-sized Old World monkey with overall grey fur, a prominent chestnut-red cap on the head and a contrasting white collar around the neck. It has striking white eyelids (earning the informal name "four-eyed monkey"), black ears, and a dark grey tail that exceeds body length and is often held with a white tip over the head. Adult head–body length ranges cited are roughly 45–67 cm depending on sex; reported captive weights are approximately 7.5–10 kg with males larger than females. Dentition includes relatively large incisors and long molars.

Abilities

Described biologically rather than supernaturally: a diurnal, arboreal primate that lives in social groups of roughly 10–35 individuals with several males. Uses vocalizations (cackles and barks) for group contact and to signal position to other groups. Omnivorous and primarily frugivorous, its diet includes fruits, seeds, leaves, flowers, invertebrates, mushrooms, dung, and tree gum. Reaches sexual maturity at around five to seven years, with a gestation of about 170 days and reported lifespans in summary sources ranging roughly 14–30 years. Threats to populations include hunting for bushmeat and habitat loss; the species is listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List.

Weaknesses & Wards

Weaknesses

None recorded.

Wards

  • condition
    legal and conservation protections (IUCN listing, CITES, African Convention provisions)

Community Record

Sources
  1. [1]
    Collared mangabey - Wikipedia. "The collared mangabey (Cercocebus torquatus), also called red-capped mangabey and white-collared mangabey, is a species of primate in the family Cercopithecidae of Old World monkeys."; "Its prominent chestnut-red cap gives it the name red-capped, and its white collar gives it the names collared and white-collared."; "It has a dark grey tail that exceeds the length of the body and is often held with the white tip over its head."; "Vocal communication in the form of cackles and barks are used to keep the group in contact and signal their position to other groups."; "In 2006, it was estimated that annually about 3,000 collared mangabeys are hunted in the Cross-Sanaga-Bioko coastal forests for the bushmeat trade."; "The collared mangabey is listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss and hunting for bushmeat."wiki
  2. [2]
    Collared mangabey - Animalia.bio (species facts). Species facts and measurements summarized for Cercocebus torquatus (size, weight, lifespan ranges) corroborating summary data cited in other sources.other
  3. [3]
    Collared mangabey Characteristics | Cercocebus torquatus Diet & Facts - BioExplorer. Ecology, diet, habitat and regional occurrence summarized for the collared mangabey, corroborating diet breadth, habitat types, and social behavior.other
  4. [4]
    Mangabey - New World Encyclopedia. "The name Cerocebus is Greek for, tail monkey" (quoted spelling from source). Provides comparative context for mangabey taxonomy and morphology.other
  5. [5]
    Collared Mangabey - Earth.com (endangered species). Conservation-status summary and regional distribution notes for Cercocebus torquatus.other
  6. [6]
    Sacred Space: Indigenous West African Portal With Grassland Landscape (Tom Hull). Notes depiction of the collared mangabey among endangered animals in an indigenous West African portal mural or artwork.other
  7. [7]
    Comparative Mammalian Brain Collections: Sooty mangabey (Cercocebus torquatus). Museum/catalogue context showing historical taxonomic linkage and specimen labeling related to Cercocebus torquatus and allied taxa.other
well-documented