Blue Monkey Reported to Feed on Chameleon Together with a Leaf

The diet of the blue monkey (Cercopithecus mitis) is quite varied, primarily consisting of fruits and plant materials, with invertebrates supplementing their protein intake. Some populations have been documented to consume occasional vertebrates, such as birds, mice, scaly-tailed squirrels, and bush babies. Conversely, the golden monkey (C. m. kandti), an endangered subspecies found in only two regions of eastern Africa, mainly relies on fruits and bamboo, especially within Rwanda's Gishwati-Mukura National Park and the Virunga Massif.

Recent observations made by researchers revealed a golden monkey in Gishwati consuming a squirrel, while another individual in Volcanoes National Park was seen chewing on a mixture of chameleon and leaves. These findings prompt intriguing questions regarding the role of meat in the golden monkey's diet. Do they seek out more meat when traditional protein sources, such as bamboo shoots, are limited? Additionally, is the action of chewing leaves alongside chameleon flesh meant to aid digestion or has some other function?