Observe and photograph a species in its natural habitat

Learn where and when to observe a species in the wild, how to recognize it in the field, and what habitats it lives in. Get photography tips adapted to its behavior and capture stunning images without disturbing the animal. For full details, open the complete profile in the WildlifePhotographer app.

Diana monkey

Scientific name: Cercopithecus diana


Diana monkey

IUCN Status: Endangered

Family: CERCOPITHECIDAE

Group: Mammals

Shyness: Suspicious

Safe distance: 10 m

Breeding season / Courtship: N/A

Gestation: 5–6 mois

Births: 01.04-30.06


Habitat:
Tropical forests, rainforests, mangroves

Description:
The Cercopithecus diana, or Diana monkey, is an arboreal primate native to the tropical forests of West Africa. It is distinguished by its black and white fur, with a characteristic crescent-shaped white band on its forehead. This monkey is agile and spends most of its time in trees, feeding mainly on fruits, leaves, and insects. Social groups usually consist of a dominant male and several females with their young. The Diana monkey is known for its varied vocalizations, used for communication within the group and to warn of predators. Unfortunately, it is threatened by deforestation and hunting, leading to a decline in its population.

Recommended lens:
>=400mm

Photography tips:
To photograph the Diana monkey, it is advisable to use a telephoto lens of at least 400mm to capture detailed images from a distance without disturbing the animal. The tropical forests where it lives can be dark, so a lens with a wide aperture is ideal to maximize available light. Be patient and attentive to movements in the canopy, as these monkeys are often on the move. Use a tripod to stabilize your camera and avoid motion blur.

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