Vervet monkey

Species

There are 6 species of monkeys in the Chlorocebus genus, Vervet monkey being one of them.

Chlorocebus aethiops
Chlorocebus cynosurus
Chlorocebus djamdjamensis
Chlorocebus pygerythrus
Chlorocebus sabaeus
Chlorocebus tantalis

Grivet
Malbrouck
Bale mountains (or Djam Djam)
Vervet
Green
Tantalus

Population

The vervet monkey was assessed by the IUCN in 2016 as of Least Concern but numbers are decreasing. All of the other Chlorocebus monkeys are also classified as Least Concern (with stable or decreasing numbers). Except the Bale mountains monkey, which is vulnerable with decreasing numbers.

Size

Vervet monkeys are a medium sized monkey 40 to 60 cm in length (excluding the tail which can be 30-50cm long). Males weigh between 3.9 - 8 kg and females between 3.4 - 5.3kg.

Habitat & distribution

Vervet monkeys like savannas and woodlands, especially acacia, with nearby rivers or streams.
Vervet monkeys have the largest distribution area. The ranges overlap between some of the species. The Bale mountain monkeys have the smallest distribution.

Chlorocebus monkeys have blue testicles

The blue colour isn't linked to hormones or sexual maturity, although it has been proposed that they like to show off their blue attributes. It could be the blue is attractive to females. Chlorocebus monkeys also have a red penis.

Diet

Vervet monkeys are omnivores. They mainly eat leaves and shoots but will also eat other plant matter such as bark, flowers, fruit, bulbs and roots. Insects, grubs, eggs and baby birds may also be eaten.

Interesting facts

Vervet monkeys have cheek pouches, meaning they can store food in their mouths for later.

Group

Vervets live in troops of up to 50 individuals. There is a complex hierarchal system with the alpha male being the dominant monkey. He will receive the most grooming.

Breeding & lifespan

The gestation period is 5.5 months. Babies are born with a pink face and it takes 3-4 months to acquire adult colouration. Young monkeys are called infants.

Predators & threats

Leopards and eagles prey on vervets. Baboons may also prey on them too.
Humans are the main threat to vervets as the monkey is often considered a pest - they steal food and raid crops.