Mandrillus

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Mandril

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Drill Monkey

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Drill range map

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Mandrill Albert September 2015 Zoo Berlin (2)

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Mandrill area

Mandrillus leucophaeus 01 MWNH 297

Mandrillus is a genus of Old World monkeys belonging to the family Cercopithecidae. The genus contains two species: the mandrill (Mandrillus sphinx) and the drill (Mandrillus leucophaeus). These primates are native to parts of Africa, with their range extending from Nigeria and Cameroon through to western Gabon. Mandrillus species are among the largest monkeys in the world, with the mandrill being noted for its vibrant and distinctive coloration, especially in males.

Description

Mandrillus species are highly sexually dimorphic, with males significantly larger than females. Male mandrills, for example, can weigh up to 54 kg (119 lb), making them the world's largest monkeys. They are known for their striking facial hues: red and blue skin on their faces and their brightly colored rumps, which become more pronounced in males as they reach sexual maturity. These colors are believed to play a role in social signaling and mating.

The drill is somewhat less colorful but shares a similar body structure to the mandrill. Drills have a primarily black face with a short mane of hair and lack the vibrant facial colors of their mandrill cousins. Both species have strong, muscular builds, adapted for their terrestrial lifestyle, although they can also climb trees.

Habitat and Distribution

Mandrillus species are found in the tropical rainforests and occasionally in adjacent savanna forests of Central and West Africa. The mandrill is primarily located in southern Cameroon, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, and Congo. The drill's range is more limited, found in Nigeria, western Cameroon, and on Bioko Island. Their habitats are threatened by deforestation and human encroachment.

Behavior

Mandrillus species are social animals, forming large groups. Mandrill societies, in particular, are known to form super-groups of hundreds of individuals, one of the largest social structures of any non-human primate. These groups are matriarchal, with females and their offspring forming the core of the group. Males live mostly solitary lives or in small bachelor groups, joining the larger groups only during mating seasons.

Their diet is omnivorous, consisting of fruits, nuts, seeds, roots, and occasionally small animals and insects. Mandrills and drills are diurnal, spending the day foraging for food and the night resting in trees.

Conservation Status

Both the mandrill and the drill are facing threats from habitat loss and hunting. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed the drill as Endangered and the mandrill as Vulnerable. Conservation efforts are in place, focusing on habitat preservation and anti-poaching measures.

In Culture

Mandrills have been depicted in various cultural contexts, often due to their striking appearance and colorful faces. They are sometimes featured in zoos and wildlife parks, where they can serve as ambassadors for rainforest conservation.

See Also

• Primate
• Sexual dimorphism
• Conservation status