These monkeys are easily identifiable by their distinctive appearance, characterized by shaggy fur that is white on the underside and limbs and reddish-brown on their back. Their faces are adorned with a striking black coloration, complemented by a white beard and mustache.
One of the most remarkable features of the common patas monkey is its extraordinary speed and agility. With exceptionally powerful hind limbs and a unique adaptation of long limbs and short digits, these primates are capable of running at remarkable speeds, reaching velocities of up to 56.3 km/h (35 mph). This remarkable ability makes them the fastest primates in the world, allowing them to swiftly navigate their habitat and evade predators with ease.
Unlike many other primate species that seek refuge in the safety of trees when faced with predators, common patas monkeys have adapted to their habitat in more open areas with relatively sparse tree cover. Instead of climbing trees, they rely on their remarkable running abilities to escape from predators, darting across the ground with incredible agility and speed.
The habitat preferences of common patas monkeys often lead them to inhabit savannas, grasslands, and other open landscapes, where they can thrive in environments with ample opportunities for running and foraging. Their diet typically consists of a variety of plant materials, including fruits, seeds, leaves, and insects, which they forage for both on the ground and in low vegetation.
In addition to their remarkable physical abilities and habitat preferences, common patas monkeys also exhibit complex social behaviors and hierarchical structures within their groups. These monkeys typically live in multi-male, multi-female groups, where individuals engage in various forms of communication, grooming, and social interaction to maintain cohesion and establish dominance.
Distribution
Benin
Burkina Faso
Cameroon
Central Af. Rep.
Chad
Côte D’ivoire
DR Congo (Kinshasa)
Ethiopia
Gambia
Ghana
Guinea-Bissau
Guinea
Kenya
Mali
Mauritania
Niger
Nigeria
Puerto Rico
Senegal
Sierra Leone
South Sudan
Sudan
Togo
UgandaAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd / Troop
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
