Difference between revisions of "Mandrill" - New World Encyclopedia
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| − | + | '''Mandrill''' (''Mandrillus sphinx'') is an [[Old World monkey]] (family [[Cercopithecidae]]), characterized by large size, light brown or [[olive]]-colored [[fur]], and in males a bright red nose bordered by blue and a red and blue rump, with duller colors in females. The mandrill is the world's largest species of monkey. It is one of only two species in the [[genus]] ''Mandrillus'', the other being the [[Drill (mammal)|Drill]] (''Mandrillus leucophaeus''). The mandrill is closely related to the [[baboon]]s and was once classified together with them in the genus ''[[Papio]]''. The word ''mandrill'' means "[[Man-Ape]]". | |
==Overview and description== | ==Overview and description== | ||
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| − | In modern scientific use, the term '''baboon''' is restricted to those [[primate]]s that are members of the genus '''''Papio.''''' However, previously the closely related gelada (genus ''Theropithecus'') and two species of mandrill and drill (genus ''Mandrillus'') were grouped in the same genus, and these [[monkey]]s are still often referred to as baboons in everyday speech. | + | In modern scientific use, the term '''baboon''' is restricted to those [[primate]]s that are members of the genus '''''Papio.''''' However, previously the closely related gelada (genus ''Theropithecus'') and two species of mandrill and drill (genus ''Mandrillus'') were grouped in the same genus, and these [[monkey]]s are still often referred to as baboons in everyday speech. but recent research has determined that they should be separated into their own [[genus]], ''[[Mandrillus]]''. |
''Papio'' belongs to family [[Cercopithecidae]]* in subfamily [[Cercopithecinae]]*. In the informal division of primates into the three groups of ''prosimians,'' ''monkeys of the New World,'' and ''monkeys and apes of the Old World,'' the baboons are considered [[Monkey#Old World monkeys|Old World monkeys]]. Baboons are some of the largest non-[[hominid]] members of the [[primate]] order; only the mandrill and the drill are larger. | ''Papio'' belongs to family [[Cercopithecidae]]* in subfamily [[Cercopithecinae]]*. In the informal division of primates into the three groups of ''prosimians,'' ''monkeys of the New World,'' and ''monkeys and apes of the Old World,'' the baboons are considered [[Monkey#Old World monkeys|Old World monkeys]]. Baboons are some of the largest non-[[hominid]] members of the [[primate]] order; only the mandrill and the drill are larger. | ||
Revision as of 00:59, 20 June 2008
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 Distribution of the Mandrill in Africa
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Mandrill (Mandrillus sphinx) is an Old World monkey (family Cercopithecidae), characterized by large size, light brown or olive-colored fur, and in males a bright red nose bordered by blue and a red and blue rump, with duller colors in females. The mandrill is the world's largest species of monkey. It is one of only two species in the genus Mandrillus, the other being the Drill (Mandrillus leucophaeus). The mandrill is closely related to the baboons and was once classified together with them in the genus Papio. The word mandrill means "Man-Ape".
Overview and description
Squirrel monkeys are New World monkeys. New World monkeys are one of three major informal groups of the biological order Primates, the other two groups being (1) prosimians and (2) monkeys and apes of the Old World. Together, the New World monkeys and the Old World monkeys and apes are considered to be "higher primates," or simians (infraorder Similformes), while the prosimians (such as lemurs) are considered to be the "lower primates." The term monkey thus refers to any simian that is not an ape or any primate that is neither an ape or a prosimian. In reality, monkeys are not a single coherent group and therefore do not have any particular traits that they all share.
In modern scientific use, the term baboon is restricted to those primates that are members of the genus Papio. However, previously the closely related gelada (genus Theropithecus) and two species of mandrill and drill (genus Mandrillus) were grouped in the same genus, and these monkeys are still often referred to as baboons in everyday speech. but recent research has determined that they should be separated into their own genus, Mandrillus.
Papio belongs to family Cercopithecidae in subfamily Cercopithecinae. In the informal division of primates into the three groups of prosimians, monkeys of the New World, and monkeys and apes of the Old World, the baboons are considered Old World monkeys. Baboons are some of the largest non-hominid members of the primate order; only the mandrill and the drill are larger.
The Mandrill is recognized by its olive-colored fur and the colorful face and rump of males, a coloration that grows stronger with sexual maturity; females have duller colors. This coloration becomes more pronounced as the monkey becomes excited and is likely to be an example of sexual selection. The coloration on the rump is thought to enhance visibility in the thick vegetation of the rainforest and aids in group movement.
Males can weigh up to 60 lbs (30 kg), females about half as much (30lbs). Unusually large males can weigh 110 lbs (50 kg).[1] They can grow to be about 1 m long (39 in) and can survive up to 31 years in captivity. Females reach sexual maturity at about 3.5 years.
Habitat
The Mandrill is found in the tropical rainforests of southern Nigeria, southern Cameroon, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea and Congo. Its distribution is bounded by the Sanaga River to the north and the Ogooué and Ivindo rivers to the east. Recent research suggests that mandrill populations north and south of the Ogooué river are genetically so different as to be different sub-species.
Behavior
Mandrills are social creatures and live in large groups, primarily including females and young and led by a single dominant male. Most adult males are solitary. It is difficult to accurately estimate group size in the forest, but filming a group crossing a gap between two forest patches or crossing a road is a reliable way of estimating group size. The largest group verifiably observed in this way contained over 1300 individuals, in Lopé National Park, Gabon - the largest aggregation of non-human primates ever recorded [citation needed].
The Mandrill is an omnivore and acquires its food by foraging (mainly plants, insects and smaller animals) from the ground as it is terrestrial. Its main natural predators are leopards.
A large group of mandrills can cause significant damage to crops in a very short time, and where common they are widely perceived as pests.
Mandrills are hunted for food throughout their range, either with guns or using dogs and nets. In Cameroon, habitat loss to agriculture is also a threat.
Although the Mandrill does not normally hunt larger prey, males have been observed to hunt and consume duiker (a small antelope).
Reproduction
The gestation (pregnancy) time for the Mandrill is 6–7 months and young are usually born between January and April. However, the mandrill mates throughout the year during the estrus cycle, which occurs once every 33 days. The interbirth interval is typically 13-14 months.
Courtship
During courtship, the male will walk after the female as the female leads. The male will then make little courtship noises, baring his teeth and vocalizing softly. If the female likes what she hears she will orientate her rear towards the male. The male will mount her and they commence copulating. After copulation, the female will depart.
Parenting
Mandrill infants are born with their eyes open and with fur. They have a black coat and pink skin for the first two months. They cling to their mother's belly immediately and can support their own weight. Mothers form bonds with their children. These bonds last into adulthood with the daughters, while the bonds with the sons last only until his sexual maturity. These bonds entail the two sitting with each other and grooming each other.
Gallery
At the Milwaukee County Zoological Gardens
At the Las Aguilas Jungle Park - Tenerife
Mandrill at Chester Zoo, UK.
ReferencesISBN links support NWE through referral fees
- Butynski et al. 2000. Mandrillus sphinx. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species., World Conservation Union. Retrieved on 6 May 2006. Listed as Vulnerable (VU A2cd v2.3)
- Groves, C. 2005. Order Primates. Page 165 in D. E. Wilson and D. M. Reeder, eds., Mammal Species of the World, 3rd edition. Johns Hopkins University Press. ISBN 0801882214.
- Nowak, R. M. 1999. Walker's Mammals of the World. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. ISBN 0801857899.
- Grzimek, S. F. Craig, D. A. Thoney, N. Schlager, and M. Hutchins. 2004. Grzimek's Animal Life Encyclopedia, 2nd edition. Detroit, MI: Thomson/Gale. ISBN 0787657786.
- Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS). 1999. Mandrillus Ritgen, 1824. ITIS Taxonomic Serial No.: 572825. Retrieved June 19, 2008.
External links
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