Patas Monkey

• Common Names: Patas Monkey, Hussar Monkey, Wadi Monkey
• Taxonomy Classification Year: 1774
• Monkey Size: 50 to 70 cm (19.69 to 27.56 in)
• Skin Color(s): Red
• Habitat: Forest, savanna or grassland
• Diet: Herbivorous
• Native Countries: Senegal, Cameroon

The Patas Monkey^[1] (Erythrocebus patas), also called the Hussar Monkey or Wadi Monkey is a terrestrial monkey distributed in semi-arid areas of West and East Africa.

• Patas monkeys have shaggy reddish fur. These monkeys have a structure similar to that of a greyhound.
• The belly is white, as are the legs and feet. In addition, Patas monkeys have chin whiskers and white mustaches.
• They have narrow bodies, long legs for four-legged locomotion, and a prominent thorax. In addition, some authors have pointed out that the eyes are directed forward for binocular vision.
• The nostrils are narrow, close together, and directed downwards. The body is 50-70 cm long, with the rufous-colored tail adding about the same length to the total length. Weights range between 7 and 13 kg.

The Patas Monkey primarily feeds on^[¶]:

• Chinese Banyan (Ficus thonningii).
• Sacred Garlic Pear (Crateva religiosa).
• Ohia (Celtis zenkeri)
• Guanabanilla (Ouratea striata)
• Ebony Diospyros (Diospyros mespiliformis).
• Fig (Ficus)
• Chinalaurel (Antidesma)
• Hairy Rock Fig (Ficus glumosa).

Spotted Hyenas (Crocuta crocuta) and Leopards (Panthera pardus) are the primary predators of Patas Monkeys^[§].

• The patas monkey lives in multi-female groups of about 60 individuals (although much larger aggregations have been reported).
• Patas monkeys may avoid each other or behave aggressively. This may seem counterintuitive as their ranges are extensive.
• Once the young males attain sexual maturity (around four years old), they leave the group and usually join groups of males.
• Mating in patas monkeys is seasonal, occurring during the rainy season.
• Unlike other primates, Patas monkeys rarely seek refuge in trees from predators. This is probably due to the relatively sparse tree cover in the habitats of the Patas monkeys.