Mandrill

The mandrill (Mandrillus sphinx) is a large Old World monkey in the family Cercopithecidae, native to the tropical rainforests of West and Central Africa. It is the largest monkey species, with adult males weighing up to about 40 kilograms and measuring roughly 75 centimeters in body length, while females are smaller. Males exhibit striking facial coloration—blue and red ridges—and a bright blue rump, which contrasts with the more subdued tones of females and juveniles. The vivid coloration is used in social signaling and competition.

Mandrills live in complex, multi-tiered social groups that can number in the hundreds. The groups are social and hierarchical, with strong male–male competition and a clear dominance structure. They are omnivorous and opportunistic foragers, feeding on fruit, seeds, leaves, roots, tubers, insects, and occasionally small vertebrates. Although primarily terrestrial, they climb trees to feed or escape threats. Their range includes forests from southern Cameroon to Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, the Republic of the Congo, and parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, occupying primary and secondary forests, forest edges, and mosaics with open areas.

Reproduction occurs year-round with variable peaks; gestation is about six months, typically yielding a single infant. Infants cling to their mothers and are weaned after several months, with females maturing earlier than males, who remain in their natal groups for longer periods and may disperse to form or join other groups.

Conservation status: The IUCN lists the mandrill as Vulnerable due to habitat loss, hunting, and fragmentation, with populations declining in parts of its range. Protection of forest habitats and anti-poaching measures are important for its persistence.