While the Dryas monkey had been considered data deficient, evidence suggests it is very rare and its total population possibly numbers fewer than 200 individuals.

[5] However, in January 2019 the IUCN status was changed to endangered following the discovery of this species at eight locations in Lomami National Park.

This species also has white on the ventral side of its body, tail, the bottom portion of the limbs, and the buttocks.

Although secondary forests are said to be preferred, these monkeys may also inhabit lowlands, rivers, or swampy areas of the Congo.

[9] The diet of the Dryas is said to be made up of mostly plant foods, including fruits, young leaves, and flowers.

Due to most of these foods being seasonal, this species also consumes small invertebrates, such as insects, as a supplement.

[5] The community-managed Kokolopori Reserve in the north-eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo was initially considered a key to its survival and the only conservation efforts for the species.

[5] A second population, about 400 km (250 mi) from the first and partially protected by the Lomami National Park, was discovered in 2014.