Early this year, the Central Florida Zoo welcomed a lesser spot nosed guenon. This colorful little guy is doing well and contributes to the small guenon population in other US zoos helping researchers develop new conservation efforts.

LESSER SPOT-NOSE GUENON
BORN AT THE

CENTRAL FLORIDA ZOO
& BOTANICAL GARDENS

Sanford, FL (February 25, 2008) –
Monday morning, February 11, keepers and staff of the Central Florida Zoo &
Botanical Gardens found a surprise waiting for them — a baby lesser spot-nosed
guenon.  “Mom and baby are doing well.  In fact, the keepers have determined
that the baby guenon is very precocious and already attempting to experience its
surroundings,” says Bonnie Breitbeil, Zoo Curator.  Also on exhibit is a
sibling, which is very curious and ready to play with the infant who will
continue to nurse for up to four months.

      The lesser spot-nosed guenon is
very rare in zoos, less than 25 are on exhibit in AZA zoos throughout the
country, and the Central Florida Zoo is one of only a handful of zoos
reproducing the primate.  “There is a science behind animal breeding and
conservation of animals is paramount; many endangered species entrusted to our
care may soon be extinct in the wild. We’re very excited to be a part of the
conservation efforts for the guenon,” Breitbeil went on to say. Species Survival
Plans (SSP) coordinated through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, are
attempting to maintain genetic diversity to ensure healthy, vigorous animals to
reproduce now and in the future.  The Central Florida Zoo participates in 11
SSPs which includes the guenon.

      The lesser spot-nosed guenon is
found on the west coast of Africa, from Gambia to Ghana.  They live in forests,
swampy areas, thickets and the fringe forests in the Guinea savanna. Spot-nosed
guenons generally live in the lower layer of the forest canopy.

      The spot-nosed guenon gets its name
from the white oval patch on the nose. The guenon weighs up to 8 pounds and is
14-18 inches in length.  The tail, which is used for balance, is approximately
two feet in length.

      Guenons are diurnal. The troop
number ranges from 10-40 animals. Only the females are permanent; the males
leave at puberty to live a solitary life or join another mixed sex group. Their
main predator in the wild is the crowned eagle. Guenons have separate alarm
calls for ground and aerial predators. The spot-nosed guenon feeds mainly on
fruit, invertebrates (mostly insects) and leaves. There are many different
species of guenon with different means of communication. Brow raising is a
common form of communication in guenons but has been replaced by head-bobbing in
the species with white nose patches. The facial colorations also assist in
communication between troop members.