Currently found in Rwanda’s Virunga Mountains, golden monkeys are a rare and endangered species. The yellow patches that are visible all over their bodies make them easy to identify.

Golden monkeys, commonly referred to as Old World monkeys, can only be distinguished from other primates by their noses. The golden mo keys have nostrils facing upwards, whereas the majority of monkeys have nostrils pointing to the sides.

The only way to witness the distinctive personalities of golden monkeys is to travel to Rwanda’s Virunga Mountains. Additionally, we will be asking questions about golden monkeys in order to learn more about these primates and have a deeper understanding of them.

In Rwanda, where can I locate golden monkeys?

The Albertine Endemics, or golden monkeys, are found in the Albertine region. The Albertine region is characterized by mountains and valleys, as well as a variety of tree species that contribute to the surrounding forests.

Golden monkeys can be found in Rwanda’s Virunga Mountains, which are home to several game parks that are shared by Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The term “endemic” describes organisms that are restricted to a certain region, in case you were wondering what it meant. Experience the presence of these stunning primates when you travel to Rwanda’s Virunga.

What kind of communication do the golden monkeys have with one another?

Scientists have figured out how the golden mo keys communicate with each other, just like any other animal species on the planet. Typically, they use hand gestures, vocalizations, and facial expressions to convey information. Most of them communicate with a purpose, and they wave their hands around to let people know what they require.

The female golden monkeys use call signs to unite the group of monkeys, while the males use them to demonstrate their dominance over the territory and as a sign of aggression. The young golden monkeys typically use call communications to demonstrate their submissiveness to the older ones.

Where do golden monkeys build their nests?

The majority of people think that these golden monkeys live in the open, in the trees, however they weave different bamboo plants together to create a nest where they can build their homes. After a long day, these bamboo trees may rest in beds made from their weaving.

How many golden monkeys are there in Rwanda overall?

The small geographic range of the golden monkeys’ habitat is thought to be one of the contributing factors to their extinction. Although the population is drastically declining, it is estimated to be between 2500 and 3500. They all reside in the Virunga forests of the Albertine, but they are in risk of extinction because of the human population’s logging of trees to clear large areas for cultivation and habitation.

What gave them the nickname “golden monkeys”?

Because of their pigmentation, they became known as golden monkeys. They are characterized by their black legs, golden yellow cheeks that are also visible on the body and back, and spots of gold around the eyes, which stand out sharply against the black legs.

What is the food source for golden monkeys?

To make it easier for the golden monkeys to obtain food, the feeding stations are typically situated in the places where they sleep. After that, the monkeys travel to food sources or foliage and return with food for the group, especially the younger ones.

Typically herbivores, golden monkeys consume the vegetation that grow in forests. Although they also consumed a variety of fruits, bamboo is their main food source. However, because they can adjust to the various seasons that impact forests, they can consume anything that is edible, including shrubs, tree larvae, flowers, branchlets, shoots, and many other things.

What kind of lives do golden monkeys lead?

One male golden monkey constantly exhibits dominance over the other members of the group, which ranges from 30 to 80. While female monkeys typically defend a single area, males wander across groups and can mate with members of any group. These golden monkeys have a twenty-year lifespan.

They are renowned for being highly gregarious creatures that live in groups headed by a single male. They can be observed hopping from tree to tree throughout the day because they are quite active during the day. When they go to sleep, they generally huddle into groups of four for simple protection, especially for the young. They typically sleep on top of various bamboo trees in the forest’s artificial trees.

The golden monkeys’ mating customs

The females usually start the mating period, albeit this is not a well understood fact. One male mates with every female in the group, causing the monkeys to become polygnous because there is always one dominant male in the group. The guys move to different groups to continue mating after temporarily residing in one.

Because the females only have a five-month gestation period and give birth to a single baby, just like humans, they are known to give birth every two years. The baby will be fully grown by the time of delivery, and the mother will nurture it for the first few months before ceasing to feed it in order to prepare for the next gestational period. Additionally, the monkey joins the older monkeys after reaching adolescence, leaving the natal group.

After examining the different characteristics of golden monkeys, we will now discuss how to go on a golden monkey trekking safari in Rwanda, where to go, and what you will need.

Seeing the many primates along the journey, but especially the Golden Monkeys, makes this an extremely fascinating and exciting experience. You can identify these because of the gold coating on their bodies. They are found in the Volcanoes National Park, which is situated in the Virunga region. You may have two experiences in one by going for the Golden Monkey Trek and the Gorilla Trek.

Rwanda Volcanoes National Park’s golden monkeys

The largest of the two troops of golden monkeys in Rwanda is found in the Sabinyo, which is the most visited troop in the country and is home to 80–100 monkeys. The other troop, which is marginally less in size, is situated in the volcanoes.

There is only one golden monkey trekking session every day in Rwanda, so if you miss it, you will have to wait until another day. In the Volcanoes National Park, the walk begins quite early in the morning and begins at a location just fifteen minutes from the park.

The beautiful thing about the Golden Mo Keys walk is that there are no restrictions on the age or number of participants. Permits for the walk in Rwanda cost $100 apiece.

Since the majority of the mo keys reside directly beneath Volcanoes Mountain and are seen dangling from the bamboo trees in the forest, they are simple to locate. The visitors get to see monkeys with short tails that were severed after they became trapped in bamboo trees. The knowledgeable guide who accompanies the animals gives them an hour to observe the animals and learn about their various traits.

What does a fantastic trek require?

To really experience Rwanda’s golden monkey trekking and gorilla safaris, there are a few things you need be aware of. These include

Flashes on cameras are prohibited while taking pictures since they frighten the monkeys away.

Water and food or snacks are required for the hike.

Due to the changeable weather in the area, you will also need a rain jacket.

Because the terrain is moist, you will also need to have sturdy hiking shoes that won’t slip.

Tourists may easily observe the monkeys swinging back and forth as they wander around in the open and eat food and cones on the farmer’s fields close to the forest.