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Gelada

Theropithecus gelada

Geladas are unique monkeys that live in the mountains of Ethiopia. They are known for their beautiful, long hair and their special way of sitting, which looks like they are always relaxing!

Habitat: Mountain regions

Appearance

The Gelada is a large, terrestrial monkey with shaggy, golden-brown fur and a distinctive bare, red, hourglass-shaped patch on its chest. Males boast a long, flowing mane around their shoulders, making them visually different from other baboons. They have dark faces and light eyelids.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderPrimatesFamilyCercopithecidaeGenusTheropithecus

Category

Mammals

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Baby Geladas cling to their mother's back, riding along as she forages for food!

Geladas sleep clinging to steep cliff faces at night to avoid predators!

Geladas spend most of their lives sitting down, even while constantly eating grass!

They use over 30 different sounds to communicate, like a complex secret monkey language!

Special abilities

Ability

Ground Grazer

Gelada can chew grass all day because their unique teeth and digestive system are specialized for a plant-heavy diet.

Ability

Facial Frequencies

Gelada has complex vocalizations combined with facial expressions that help them communicate detailed messages to their large troops.

Ability

Chest Communication

Gelada can display social status and mood with a bare, red, hourglass-shaped chest patch that changes color and intensity.

Measurements & details

Length
50-75 cm
Weight
10-20 kg
Lifespan
15-20 years
Speed
35 km/h
Litter Size
1
Gestation
165-180 days

Diet & Feeding

Geladas munch on grasses, herbs, and roots, making them expert plant-eaters!

Primary Foods

  • grass blades
  • grass seeds
  • roots
  • rhizomes
  • flowers

Foraging Method

  • Grazing

Ecological connections

Eaten by

Leopard

Panthera pardus

Primary predator, especially for young.

Eats

Ethiopian Wolf

Canis simensis

Occasionally preys on young geladas.

Eaten by

Spotted Hyaena

Crocuta crocuta

Can hunt them, particularly at night.

Depends on

African Foxtail Grass

Hyparrhenia anamesa

A key food source in their habitat.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Always observe animals from a distance and do not try to touch or feed them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Gelada?

Compare ears, muzzle, tail, feet and coat markings. Size is hard to judge without something nearby for scale, and young mammals may not have adult coloring yet. Mammal Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

How long is Gelada?

50-75 cm

How much does Gelada weigh?

10-20 kg

How long does Gelada live?

15-20 years

How fast can Gelada move?

35 km/h

What does Gelada eat?

Geladas munch on grasses, herbs, and roots, making them expert plant-eaters!

Where is Gelada usually found?

Mountain regions

How does Gelada hunt?

Grazing

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