With an elegant beard and a solemn expression, the De Brazza's monkey stands out among other old world monkeys that inhibit the vast African land. It is more commonly known as the swamp monkey, because it likes to live near the wetlands.

Named after the French explorer Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza, this beautiful monkey is native to Ethiopia. They are often found in the dense canopies of forests near seasonally flooded areas. 

Although it is born with a natural solemnity, the De Brazza's monkey is rather small in size. Its height is usually between 40-63.5 centimeters. Females are smaller than males, weighing around four kilograms while their male counterparts weigh around seven kilograms. But both have the outstanding beard and muzzle that add up to the image of an old scholar.

De Brazza's monkeys are experts in hiding, and are therefore difficult to spot in the wild, making it hard to examine its population. 

They also have interesting behaviors that make them even more like an old scholar. They would sometimes shake their heads when they are stressed, and would nod with approval on certain occasions.

Because of their small size, they often fall prey to the African eagles. Other predators include large chimpanzees and leopards. 

(Cover via VCG, designed by CGTN's Li Yueyun.)

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