MONKEY, VERVET

The Vervet Monkey (Chlorocebus pygerythrus) is a medium-sized Old World monkey native to Africa. Known for its distinctive black face, long tail, and colourful fur, the Vervet Monkey is highly adaptable and can be found in various habitats, including savannahs, forests, and mountains. It is a social species, living in groups called troops, with complex social structures. Vervet monkeys are omnivores, feeding on a diet that includes fruits, leaves, insects, and small animals. They are agile climbers and spend much of their time in trees, but also come down to the ground to forage. The species is recognized for its vocalizations, using different calls to communicate various messages within the troop, such as warnings about predators or indicating food sources.

Fact Sheet 

Numbers: Common.

Weight: 3.4 – 8 kg (7 – 15lb)

Young: 1. Seldom 2.

Diet: They are omnivores, feeding on fruits, leaves, insects, flowers, small animals, seeds, insects, birds and eggs.

Habits: Vervet monkeys are diurnal and highly social, living in troops that can range from a few to over 50 individuals. Vervets are known for their agility and spend much of their time in trees, though they also forage on the ground. They communicate using a variety of vocalisations and body language and have a strict social hierarchy within the troop. Vervets are highly adaptable, thriving in forests, savannas, and even urban areas.