Gabon talapoin

Description

The Gabon talapoin (Miopithecus ogouensis), also known as the northern talapoin, is a small species of African monkey native to riparian habitats in Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, the western Republic of the Congo and the far western Democratic Republic of Congo. It may have been introduced to Bioko and the Canary Islands. Classified in the genus Miopithecus, it was given the name Miopithecus ogouensis, based on the River Ogooué, distinguishing it from the other species, the Angolan talapoin, also known as Miopithecus talapoin. Gabon talapoins are large headed monkeys with yellow-olive tinted coating, and can be differentiated from the Angolan talapoin by its flesh-coloured ears (not blackish). They are always found near watercourses, and are capable of diving and swimming away when disturbed. Males and females live together in mixed groups, but rarely interact with each other outside of mating season. Females tend to give birth annually during the rainy season, with mating season taking place during the dry season. Its diet constitute of mostly foraged fruits, seeds, leaves and insects, and crops raided from cultivated plantations. The Gabon talapoins are dependent on thick coverings to protect them from predation due to their small size, but their elusiveness have also made it difficult to observe their behaviors in the wild. The Gabon talapoin is considered as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Assessed in 2017, its overall population trend is decreasing, with a continuing decline of mature individuals. Conservation efforts have been made to preserve its habitat and control trade on an international level. Female Gabon talapoins have a head and body length ranging from 230-340 millimetres (9.1-13.4 in), and weigh 0.8-1.2 kilograms (1.8-2.6 lb). Males are larger and take six years to reach full adult size, with head and body length ranging from 260-360 millimetres (10-14 in), and weigh 1.0-1.72 kilograms (2.2-3.8 lb). Gabon talapoins have an average tail length ranging from 310-450 millimetres (12-18 in). Infants weigh approximately 180 grams (6.3 oz) at birth, and the size of a newborn's head is almost as big as its body. Gabon talapoins are the smallest of the Old World monkey and are considered as dwarf guenons. They are large headed, and unlike the related Angolan talapoin, the Gabon talapoin has flesh-coloured (not blackish) ears and facial skin.