(Schreber, 1774)

(Eng) Talapoin

(Fre) Talapoin

The Northern talapoin (north of the Zaire River) and the Southern talapoin (south of the Zaire River) are currently regarded as distinct species (Oates, 1996). The Northern talapoin, however, must still be formally described (Oates, 1996; Kingdon, 1997), thus both species are considered in this account.

Not listed.

Although the ecology of the talapoin monkey has been widely studied, most of the authors have focused on behavioural aspects of its ecology, and no specific studies on habitat requirements and preferences have been conducted. Most of the studies have been carried out in Gabon and concern the so-called Northern talapoin, while very little is available on the ecology of the Southern talapoin. Gautier-Hion (1968, 1970, 1971a, 1971b, 1973, 1988) and Gautier-Hion & Gautier (1986) give a very complete picture of the main aspects of its ecology, with particular attention to social behaviour. Data on the feeding habits are found in Gautier-Hion et al. (1980), while interspecific relationships among coexisting primates, including the talapoin, have been investigated in south-western Cameroon by Mitani (1991). Some notes on behaviour, interspecific relationships, and anti-predatory behaviour are given by Gartland & Struhsaker (1979). Updated data on the status and distribution of this species are available for Gabon (Blom et al., 1992) and part of Congo and Cameroon (Mitani, 1990). Lernould (1988) gives an overall view of the species' distribution. General information on the species' ecology is found in several authors (Bourliere, 1985; Eisenberg et al., 1979; Kingdon, 1997; Stuart & Stuart, 1997). Overall status and geographic distribution are discussed in Oates (1996).

Known extent of occurrence

A first rough map was obtained from Lernould (1988), but the geographic range of the two talapoin species was redrawn following Kingdon (1997). As shown in Fig. 2.3.30.a, the Southern talapoin occurs south of the Zaire River in Angola and northwest former Zaire (namely along the Mebridge, Loge, Cuanza, Nhia, Cuvo and Cuango rivers), while Northern talapoin inhabits the basin of the Ogooué River and some Zaire tributaries such as the Sangha, Alima, Lefini between Cabinda and the Nyong River (Kingdon, 1997).

This is a strictly riverine species: its preferred habitat is inundated forest, but it also occurs in dense riparian vegetation throughout woodland and cropland areas (Gautier-Hion, 1973; Kingdon, 1997).

Based on these environmental preferences, the following scores were assigned (Fig. 2.3.30.b) (2.3.30.a):

The output of the probabilistic-continuous (PC) distribution model is shown in Fig. 2.3.30.c.

As evidenced in the paragraph "Available information", little is known of the ecology of this species and this reflects in the low index of accordance (33.33%) which suggests some caution in interpreting the following considerations. Within the overall EO, the species' actual AO is restricted to forest areas in proximity to water bodies. The total AO is therefore just a quarter of the total EO and appears to be extremely patchy, with small MPS (confirmed by the small PSSD) and very small LPI (3.69%). Only 6% of the total AO is included in existing protected areas. Despite these spatial patterns, the species is not threatened and is not listed by the IUCN threat category system. The network of riverine forests throughout the range is sufficiently dense and potentially interconnected to reduce the risks for the species. The PC model shows a diffuse high level of suitability throughout most of the range. Further assessment of the species’ ecology is needed.