Red-tailed Monkey

The red-tailed monkey (Cercopithecus ascanius), also known as the black-cheeked white-nosed monkey, red-tailed guenon, redtail monkey, or Schmidt's guenon, is a species of primate in the family Cercopithecidae. It is found in Angola, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and possibly Burundi. The red-tailed monkey is usually black, red, or orange. Although native to this region, it has spread north and south as well as it can survive in different habitats and under different conditions. It is a distinct creature in its habitats and is gradually becoming endangered due to deforestation and over-exploitation through hunting and predation. == Taxonomy and classification == There are five subspecies recognized for this species: Cercopithecus ascanius ascanius Cercopithecus ascanius atrinasus Cercopithecus ascanius katangae Cercopithecus ascanius whitesidei Cercopithecus ascanius schmidti == Anatomy == === Distinguishing features === The red-tailed monkey is named as it sounds: for the red coloration of the tail's underside. The reddish color increases from the base of the tail to the tip. These mammals have a white nose and very large, elastic cheeks used for storing food in their mouths. They have black or dark grey body fur. === Size === Males…