This elusive inhabitant of\u00a0equatorial African rainforests is the biggest of all monkeys and arguably the most beautiful.<\/p>\n
The 30kg males – three times the weight of females – are adorned with a golden mane and striking blue and red swellings on the face and hind-quarters.<\/p>\n
The skin colour and pattern permit males to display their social rank and status to other males and communicate their genetic healthiness to prospective female partners.<\/p>\n
In a society where physical fights can result in injury or death, having a bright, communicative face might just save your skin.<\/p>\n
They are also equipped with canine teeth that are amongst the longest of any primate. These are wielded in fights with rivals over dominance.<\/p>\n
And yet despite the damage they are capable of inflicting – or perhaps because of it – they are used in anger only rarely.<\/p>\n
Most disputes are settled without the need for violence. A male\u2019s colouration is a reliable signal of his fighting ability – the brighter the colours, the stronger the male.<\/p>\n
This allows weaker males to bow out gracefully before push comes to shove. Blood is spilled only when two\u00a0competing males are closely matched colour-wise<\/p>\n