Mona Monkey

The Mona Monkey (Cercopithecus mona), originally from Ghana, Togo, Benin, Nigeria and western Cameroon, was introduced to Grenada between the 17 – 18th century. Monas can be found on trees in rainforests, mangroves, swamps and woodlands, and they feed on fruits, insects and small leaves. If you visit the Grand Etang Forest Reserve, it’s not hard to find, and maybe even pet or feed, these brown furred, white-bearded creatures.

In a 2005 study, Levy reported that the Mona population in Grenada was likely founded by one pregnant female. This picture was taken at the Grand Etang Forest Reserve by Arthur Daniel.

Status & Threats

In Grenada, the largest threat that Monas face is hunting. Some speculate that Monas are captured even after the hunting season is closed, and in Forest Reserve, where these activities are prohibited. Mona’s are listed as Least Concern under the IUCN Redlist, but their current population size in Grenada is unknown; in 1995, the population estimate was ~ 2000 individuals.