Vervet Monkey - Five Sisters Zoo

Vervet’s are a medium-sized species of monkey with a coat that can be a variety of shades of grey, brown, olive and yellow. Individuals will have white fur on their bellies and their limbs, with dark skin on their faces, hands and feet. They are a very social species, often living in troops of over 20 individuals. Vervet’s are a sexually dimorphic species (significant differences between males and females) with the males being markedly larger than females at nearly 30% higher body weight. Troops are matriarchal but all adult Vervet’s participate in foraging for food and providing defence for the group.

 

 

 

Facts

Diet: Omnivores; leaves, stems, flowers, fruits, seeds, mushrooms, some invertebrates, birds eggs and small birds

Weight: 3.5-8kg

Length: 100-120cm including tail

Habitat: South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya and others; prefers forest and savannah with open woodland.

Life span: 13 years in the wild, up to 30 years under human care

Adapted to Survive

  • Opportunistic omnivores who can change their diet according to what is available during the season
  • Troops of vervet’s follow a ridged social structure, led by females, to control access to resources and safety for the group

Threats

  • Poaching
  • Human-animal conflict
  • Habitat Loss by deforestation, degradation and fragmentation

IUCN Conservation Status

Least Concern

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