Living in small family groups with one male, one female and their offspring, these primates are very different in shape and locomotion compared to most other primates, and are surprisingly fast and agile in their forest canopy home.

Their diet consists of fruit, seeds, flowers, leaves and some animal prey such as small birds and bird eggs. They use their canine teeth to crack hard nuts. Insects (especially termites and ants) are also a staple part of their diet.

Males are black all over with the exception of a facial disc of “blonde” hair, whereas the female lacks the facial disc and is brownish black. Females give birth to a single baby after 150 to 180 day gestation. Both sexes of offspring are of a similar colour to adult females, with males developing the blonde facial disc after around 2 months. The young are weaned after 4 months, and are fully mature in 3 years and have a life expectancy of 30 years.