- Classification:
Order: Mammalia
Genus & Species: Chlorocebus pygerythrus
Family: Cercopithecidae - Range:
Vervet monkeys are spread across southern and eastern Africa, from Senegal to Ethiopia and south to South Africa.
- Habitat:
The preferred habitat is acacia woodland along streams, rivers, and lakes. Vervet monkeys can also live in mountainous areas up to 13,000 feet.
- Activity:
Diurnal. Much of the day is spent foraging for food and grooming.
- Longevity:
Approximately 15 years in the wild and 30 years in human care.
- Description:
Vervet monkeys are a medium sized primate with a greenish-olive or silver-gray coat of close-fitting, moderate length hair. They have a black face, ears, hands, feet, and tips of their tails. Their forehead has a white band across it which blends into elongated side whiskers. They have long tails with a reddish patch on the underside of the base. Males are slightly larger than females. Young vervets are born with a dark coat and pink face.
- Ecology, Adaptations, Etc:
Vervet monkeys are highly social, living in troops of up to 50 individuals. Within a troop, there are separate dominance hierarchies for each sex. Males establish a hierarchy by age, tenure in group, fighting abilities, and allies. Female hierarchies depend on maternal social status.