patas monkey

Erythrocebus patas

The patas monkey is a fast and playful monkey that loves to run! They have long legs and a reddish-brown coat, making them look very special in the grasslands where they live.

Habitat: Savannas

Appearance

The patas monkey has a striking reddish-brown coat across its back, contrasting sharply with its white belly and limbs. Its face is marked with a distinctive black band across the brows, nose, and muzzle, framed by white whiskers and cheeks, making it look very alert.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderPrimatesFamilyCercopithecidaeGenusErythrocebus

patas monkey

Interesting facts

Did you know they are sometimes called 'military monkeys' because they move in disciplined groups?

Patas monkeys often stand on their hind legs to get a better view over tall grasses!

Their long fingers are perfect for snatching up tiny insects and seeds from the ground!

They are very quiet during the hottest part of the day, resting hidden in trees or bushes.

Special abilities

The patas monkey has a reddish-brown coat that helps them blend perfectly into the dry savanna grasses to avoid being seen.

Patas monkeys can make loud barks and whistles that help them warn their group about approaching dangers.

Measurements & details

Length: 60-90 cm
Weight: 4-13 kg
Lifespan: 15-20 years
Top Speed: 55 km/h
Litter Size: 1
Gestation: 160-170 days

Diet & Feeding

These speedy omnivores forage for tasty fruits, seeds, insects, and sometimes even small animals.

Primary Foods

fruits
seeds
gum
insects
lizards
birds' eggs

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Lion

Panthera leo

Lions are a primary predator of patas monkeys in their habitat.

eaten by

Leopard

Panthera pardus

Leopards are opportunistic hunters that prey on patas monkeys.

eats

Umbrella Thorn Acacia

Acacia tortilis

Patas monkeys often feed on the gum and pods from acacia trees.

eats

Migratory Locust

Locusta migratoria

Patas monkeys supplement their diet by catching and eating various insects.

Traits

Furry

Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur.

Social

Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.

Omnivorous

This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter.

Arboreal

Arboreal animals live primarily in trees, utilizing them for shelter, food, and protection from predators.

Grassland

Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.

Savanna

This habitat trait denotes species native to savannas, which are grasslands with scattered trees, typically found in tropical or subtropical regions with distinct wet and dry seasons.