On this World Monkey Day, we celebrate one of the golden monkey groups we monitor in Rwanda – the largest ever studied. The group is called Kabatwa, and is named after the hill where it was first identified. It has continued to grow and grow and currently boasts 218 members, with 21 newborns arriving so far this year.
Adult female Grace cuddles Terimbere’s new infant
Golden monkeys are the only other primate living in the forest with the mountain gorillas, and – like the gorillas – they are also an endangered species. They are small and fast-moving, spending the majority of their time up high in trees, eating, playing, bonding and resting.
Fossey Fund staff began habituating golden monkeys to the presence of human observers back in 2003. This process took about a year until the monkeys were comfortable seeing humans around. In 2004, we also began conducting our behavioral research and started collecting daily data on the monkeys, so that we could learn more about them and have a record of their lives. We identify each individual monkey using specific physical features that we have developed as useful markers.
“Seeing this group grow to so many monkeys gives me hope for golden monkey conservation,” says Dr. Deogratias Tuyisingize, the Fossey Fund’s biodiversity program manager in Rwanda and senior author of the first-ever golden monkey conservation action plan. “In addition, the data collected daily in the group has helped shape most of what we know about this endangered species,” he adds.
Golden monkey society and behaviors
Golden monkey society is quite different from that of the gorillas we know so well. In golden monkeys, the dominant male position can shift often. We observe this based on various factors, such as how many females are near the male. In the Kabatwa group, adult male Adam often secures the leading male position, though rival Ishami can also be in charge at times.
Another interesting fact is that female golden monkeys often are the ones who defend the group’s territory against outsiders, while males will try to ensure that no other male approaches for mating attempts.
Unlike gorillas, who breed all year long, golden monkeys are seasonal breeders. Interestingly, the Kabatwa group, along with other groups, appear to breed when bamboo shoots – a key food for them – are in bloom.
Gahizi feeding on bamboo shoot
Who’s who in the Kabatwa group
Here a few of the many Kabatwa group members that we enjoy observing every day:
Itabaza is an adult female, recorded when the group was first identified. Her tail is thinner compared to others, so that is one of her identification features.
Itabaza
Indoro is an adult female currently caring for her second infant. She is an active contributor to the group’s defense, even as she nurtures her little one.
Indoro
Queen is an outstanding mother of three youngsters, and is known for extending care even beyond her own offspring. She is often seen grooming the offspring of other females during rest time.
Adult female Queen
Rwogere is a young male who overcame the loss of his mother at a young age but is now thriving.
Young male Rwogere
