Mandrill

• Common Name: Mandrill
• Taxonomy Classification Year: 1758
• Monkey Size: 61 to 76.4 cm (24.02 to 30.08 in)
• Skin Color(s): Olive green
• Habitat: Forest, rainforest
• Diet: Omnivorous
• Native Countries: Cameroon, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Democratic Republic of Congo

The mandrill^[1] (Mandrillus sphinx) is a primate of the Old-World monkey family (Cercopithecidae). It is among the two species in the Mandrillus genus and drill.

• The mandrills reach a height of around 80 cm. The species features a large head, a compact body with long, powerful limbs, and an erect stubby tail.
• The wide range of rotation of the clavicles allows for quadrupedal walking, tree climbing, and arm function.
• The opposable thumbs allow these monkeys to grasp tree branches. Both sexes have paired mammary glands in the chest region.
• The coat is olive green with lighter underparts. It has a bright blue to bare purple rump.
• A mandrill’s face has a red stripe down the center of the snout and around the nostrils, while the sides of the snout are striped lengthwise and blue in color.
• Mandrills have patches of red fur over their eyes and a yellow beard. These colorations are duller in females and juveniles than in adult males.

The Mandrill nourishes on^[¶]:

• Butter Tree (Pentadesma butyracea).
• Boleko Nut (Ongokea gore).
• African Nutmeg (Pycnanthus angolensis).
• African Teak (Milicia excelsa).
• African Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis).
• Persimmons (Diospyros)

Leopards (Panthera pardus) are the primary predators of Mandrills^[§].

• Groups of mandrills can vary from a few individuals to 50 individuals.
• Although the dominant male will often wander away from the group, he will return immediately at the slightest sign of danger.
• Mandrills live on the ground during the day and sleep in trees at night.
• Their bright coloring in the female species is a crucial feature of social behavior. For example, when aroused, the padding on her buttocks intensifies blue, her chest turns blue, and red dots may appear on her ankles and wrists.
• To show his delight, a male mandrill shakes his head and shoulders; it is usually an invitation to settle down.