Karura Forest #8: More Monkey Business
The cache, a small screw-capped plastic container is hidden in a large (about 1.5m high) stump west of the nearby bench at Junction 19. *** Kindly ensure the cache is well concealed when replaced to protected from unwanted attention of human and animal muggles - thanks! ***
Sykes' monkeys were frolicking in the trees nearby as I was hiding the cache.
For background information on Karura Forest including access, fees, features, a detailed trail map and useful links, see GC4PD3V Karura Forest #1: Intro, Info & Entry
. . . Female Sykes' monkeys stay with their mothers, forming territorial female-dominated groups of 10-40 with only a single adult (alpha) male. The females are often related and will defend their territory against neighbouring groups. Males only stay with the group for a few weeks up to a maximum of 2 years. Adult males make loud calls specific to the individual. Breeding occurs throughout the year.
A single youngster is born after 5 months, fully furred and open-eyed. The mother gives birth wherever she happens to be, usually at night. She eats the placenta and licks the baby clean as it clings to her belly. Other females show great interest and try to hold new infants. Nursing becomes less frequent after the 1st few months but continues until the next birth, usually after 2 years. Male offspring leave the group when they reach sexual maturity at about 3 years. Maximum lifespan is around 20 years.
Survival threats include habitat destruction, such as the clearing of rain forests and they may be killed for meat, for eating cultivated crops or destroying exotic trees.
See here for a video of Sykes monkey in Kenya and here in forest habitat.