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Mandrill Facts

Mandrill Facts
Mandrill is the largest species of monkeys. This beautiful animal lives in western and central parts of Africa. Mandrill inhabits tropical rainforests located on flat plateaus and mountain areas. Number of mandrills has been drastically reduced in the last couple of decades. Habitat loss due to increased agriculture and deforestation is the main factor that affects survival of mandrills in the wild. Also, mandrills' meat is highly appreciated and often consumed by indigenous people. Mandrill is classified as vulnerable species which means that it may become endangered in the near future.
Interesting Mandrill Facts:
Mandrills are very large animals. They can reach 25 to 32 inches in length and 24 to 82 pounds in weight. Males are usually two times bigger than females.
Mandrill's body is covered with dense olive green fur. Males have yellow-orange beards.
Mandrills have unique body coloration among monkeys. Their faces have red and blue marks. Brightly colored behinds are sign of sexual maturity. They also reflect emotional state of the animal: color is more pronounced when animal is excited. Intensity of coloration is higher in males.
Mandrills have extremely long canine teeth (2.5 inches long). They are used for self defense. Animal sometimes exposes its teeth as a greeting sign.
Mandrills have cheek pouches adapted for the storage of food. These food reserves are used for later snacking.
Mandrill has long front limbs that are used for walking and finding of food. They have very skillful hands used for collecting, sorting and preparing of food.
Mandrills are omnivores (eat plant- and animal-based food). They usually eat different kind of fruit, grass, fungi, insects, eggs and various worms.
Mandrills are diurnal animals (active during the day). They spend most time of the day in the search for food on the ground. Mandrills are resting during the night high in the treetops which provide ideal protection from predators.
Main predators of mandrills are leopards, eagles, snakes, chimpanzees and humans.
Mandrills live in large groups (up to 200 animals) called troops. There are two types of groups. First type include group composed of dominant male, large number of females and their offspring. Second type refers to a group with high number of males and females.
Mandrills are noisy animals. They communicate using high pitched sounds and grunts.
Mandrills are territorial animals that occupy territory of 20 square miles. They mark territory with specific scent and defend it fiercely against intruders.
Mandrills can mate throughout the whole year but majority of babies are born between January and April.
Pregnancy in females lasts 6 to 7 months and ends with one baby. Young mandrill spends first days of its life attached to the mother's belly. When it becomes heavier, it travels positioned on the mother's back.
Mandrills can survive up to 20 years in the wild and up to 40 years in captivity.


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