Golden Monkeys in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda – The golden monkey, scientifically known as Cercopithecus mitis kandti, is a subspecies of the blue monkey, also known as the Sykes monkey.
It is an ancient monkey species found in the Virunga volcanic mountains of Central Africa, including a total of four national parks: Mgahinga in southwestern Uganda, Volcanoes in northwestern Rwanda, and Virunga and Kahuzi-Biega in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
Its habitat is limited to highland forests, especially near bamboo.
Scientific Classification of the Golden Monkeys
- Domain: Eukaryota
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Primates
- Suborder: Haplorhini
- Infraorder: Simiiformes
- Family: Cercopithecidae
- Genus: Cercopithecus
- Species: C. mitis (Cercopithecus mitis)
- Subspecies: C. m. kandti (Cercopithecus mitis kandti)
Cercopithecus mitis kandti also stands as its trinomial name as per Matschie, 1905.
Brief Description of the Golden Monkeys
These unique species are similar to the blue monkey in general appearance, although the golden monkeys have a golden-orange patch on their upper flanks and back.
Very little is known about their behavior; however, they live in social groups of about 60 individuals and have a rare diet consisting mainly of bamboo, fruits, and leaves.
Some research also indicates that the golden monkeys eat insects.
Preferentially, the golden monkeys spend most of their time swinging from one branch to another, which can make taking their photos rather tricky.
Conservation of the Golden Monkeys
As far as conservation is concerned, the golden monkeys have attracted keen attention as one of the most endangered species according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.
The gradual destruction of their habitats and recent wars in their very limited habitats have posed significant threats.
Consequently, governments have taken measures to control wild bush cutting and tree felling and have increased the number of rangers in their habitats to implement these measures.
An estimated 5,000 golden monkeys are left in the entire world, making their protection crucial.
Habitat for the Golden Monkeys
The golden monkeys reside in the Virunga Range Mountains, which consist of Mount Karisimbi, Mount Mikeno, Mount Gahinga, Mount Nyiragongo, and Mount Nyamulagira.
These mountains provide the best habitats for the golden monkeys and the endangered mountain gorillas, of which only about 1,000 are left in the world.
Golden Monkey Trekking in Rwanda
Golden monkey trekking is quite an experience in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, due to the high level of security guaranteed to tourists, unlike in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where insecurity concerns can pose a challenge.
Tourists are joined by researchers and ranger guides with extensive knowledge about these golden monkeys, led by skilled trackers.
Golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda, has no age limits, making it accessible to everyone, unlike gorilla trekking, which has an age limit of 12.
Besides, one has to book in advance because of the high demand.
Requirements for Trekking
When going for golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda, tourists are advised to carry:
- Hiking shoes
- Long-sleeved shirts
- Insect repellent
- Raincoats
- Painkillers (if necessary)
- Camera
Best Time for Golden Monkey Trekking
Golden monkeys can be visited at any time of the year.
However, the best time to trek them is during the drier months of December to February and June to September.
Trekking during the wet season can be challenging as the terrain is slippery and the trekking trails are difficult.
Cost
Golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park costs about USD 100 for foreign non-residents, USD 65 for foreign residents, and RWF 4,000 for Rwandan citizens.
In a nutshell, golden monkeys are habituated animals that are not easily frightened by human presence, making any tourist activity associated with them quite an amazing experience.
