PATAS MONKEY

(Erythrocebus, or Cercopithecus, patas), long-limbed quadrupedal monkey, family Cercopithecidae. Because of its colour and habits, it is also called red guenon and Hussar, military, and dancing red monkey. The adult patas monkey has a shaggy red coat set off by a white mustache and white underparts. It is about 5070 cm (2028 inches) long excluding the tail of about the same length. Omnivorous and predominantly terrestrial, it lives in bands in the grass and scrub regions of Central Africa. Single young are born, possibly only at a certain time of year, after a gestation period estimated at 170 days. The patas monkey is said to be a good pet but is somewhat delicate in captivity.