Guenon << guh NAWN >> is any of a group of monkeys that live throughout Africa south of the Sahara. Guenons have a long tail, a roundish head, and a short face. Adult guenons weigh from 3 to 15 pounds (1.4 to 7 kilograms). The females are slightly smaller than the males. The hair on the face and body of these monkeys grows in various patterns of colors, especially black, white, and red. Some adult guenons have long, white facial hair that resembles a beard and mustache.
There are more than 20 species of guenons. They inhabit a wide variety of forested environments, including swamps, tropical rain forests, and wooded, grassy plains. Almost all guenons live in trees. A type of guenon called the vervet is probably the most common species of monkey in Africa.
Guenons eat many kinds of food. They feed mainly on fruit, leaves, buds, and seeds. They also eat insects. Occasionally, they prey on young birds and other small animals. Guenons have small pouches in their cheeks that allow them to hold extra food.
Guenons live in groups that consist of a number of adult males and females and their young. Some groups have a male leader, but he does not have strong control.
