Mandrill
Mandrill Facts
| Size | Up to 29.9 inch (76 cm) |
| Speed | Up to 24.8 mph (40 km/h) |
| Weight | Up to 55.1 lb (25 kg) |
| Lifespan | 20 - 28 years |
| Food | Fruits, seeds, little animals |
| Predators | Leopards, eagles, snakes |
| Habitat | Central Africa |
| Order | Primates |
| Family | Old world monkeys |
| Scientific name | Mandrillus sphinx |
| Characteristics | Most colorful mammal |
The Mandrill is a large primate that lives in Africa and, like baboons, macaques and langurs, belongs to the old world monkeys.
Brightly colored
The mandrill has bright blue and violet cheeks, a bright red nose and lips and hairs ranging from olive green to golden. It seems to have fallen into a few paint pots, no other animal is as multi-colored as the mandrill.
Why do Mandrills Have Colorful Faces?
Mandrills, especially high-ranking, strong males, have strong bright colors. They also have more testosterone (male hormones) than the other males. A female with strong colors wants to show the male: I am healthy and ready to mate.
Record: Tallest Monkey
The mandrill is the largest primate after the great apes (gorilla, orangutan, chimpanzee).
What does the Mandrill Eat?
Mandrills are omnivores, but they prefer to cover fruits, seeds, leaves and mushrooms. Insects, frogs and lizards are also on their menu.
Cheek Pouch as Storage Space
Mandrills have large cheek pouches, which they fill with food when they are not hungry, so that they can enjoy a snack later-on.
Look, What is This Between My Teeth?
Sometimes, mandrills shake their heads and “grin” to show their teeth, which can be more than 6 cm long. This is both funny and daunting, although it is a friendly gesture between the animals.
I am Annoyed!
If a mandrill is angry, it vigorously slaps the ground.
Colorful Community
Normally, mandrills live in groups of about 20 animals in the dense rainforest. The male monkey with the brightest and most beautiful colors is the leader of the pack.
Mandrills are Good on Their Feet
The “dry-nosed” primates (Haplorhini) walk long distances on the ground, but they are also good at climbing and like to sleep in the trees (another one every day, so that it does not get boring).
Forest Baboons
Mandrills are also called forest baboons. They are actually related to the baboons, but they live in a different habitat.
Mandrill Offspring
Mandrill mums usually have only one baby. At birth it has a dark pelage. The little eyes are open and it already clings to its mother’s tummy. At the age of two months it loses its baby fluff. Then the “real” pelage begins to grow.
Disney Star
In Disney’s “Lion King“ you can see a mandrill: the wise Rafiki, who blesses the lion baby Simba.
- Watch now on animalfunfacts.net:
Video: Why Are Many Animals so Colorful?
Pupils are welcome to use this information at school for essays, presentations, posters or homework. All information appearing on this site has been precisely and thoroughly researched, nevertheless should you notice any errors, please do notify us via email.