mandrills

The mandrill (Mandrillus sphinx) is a large Old World monkey native to western central Africa. Among the most colorful primates, the adult male has bright blue and red facial skin and a striped rump, while females and juveniles are less conspicuous. They are the largest species of monkey, with males weighing up to 40 kg and body length around 70 cm, though averages are lower.

Distribution and habitat: Mandrills are found in Gabon, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, and the Republic of the Congo. They inhabit primary and secondary tropical forests, forest edges, and gallery forests, often in areas with dense cover and fruit-producing trees.

Behavior and social structure: They live in large, multi-female groups with one or more dominant males. The groups are highly social and vocal; males display with facial coloration and canines. They are primarily terrestrial but also climb trees. They forage on fruits, seeds, leaves, roots, tubers, and insect larvae, making them omnivorous. Juveniles and adult males may form separate bachelor groups outside breeding periods.

Reproduction: Breeding occurs year-round with peaks tied to food availability. Gestation lasts about 188 days, typically yielding a single infant. Mothers nurse and care for the young for an extended period, and offspring remain with the group for several years to learn social and foraging skills.

Conservation: The IUCN lists the mandrill as Vulnerable, with habitat loss and hunting for bushmeat as major threats. Some populations occur within protected areas, but overall numbers are decreasing. Captive populations are maintained in zoos and research facilities.