The Grivet (Chlorocebus aethiops) is an Old-World Monkey renowned for its prominent tufts of white facial fur and the white tip of its tail. Found in Ethiopia, Sudan, Eritrea, and Djibouti, this species is frequently an opportunistic trophy when hunting in Ethiopia.
Standing only 22 inches at the shoulder, the Grivet is a highly adaptable species, preferring habitats of savanna and riverine woodlands. These highly social monkeys are most active early in the morning or late afternoon, so plan your hunting safari accordingly.
Staying in a troop of between 5 and more than 70 individuals, the Grivet monkeys play, eat, and groom each other while keeping an eye out for danger. They can walk both on all fours and walk and run on two legs, making them extremely agile and highly adaptable.
They are omnivorous, eating nuts, seeds, leaves, flowers, eggs, small birds, fruits, and vegetables. They need to drink daily, especially during the hotter, drier season, and their habitat must include a permanent water source.
One infant is born after a gestation period of around 210 days. Mating takes place throughout the year.
Predators of these lightning-quick primates include large cats such as Lions and Leopards, as well as a variety of snakes and birds of prey.
Their IUCN status is Least Concern, with stable numbers.
Name:
Chlorocebus aethiops
Male Weight:
6–17 pounds
Male Shoulder height:
16-22 inches
Range:
Ethiopia, Djibouti, Sudan, and Eritrea
Mating:
Throughout the year
Gestation Period:
210 days
Life span:
13 years
The male Grivet is larger than its female counterpart, reaching up to 17 pounds. This striking monkey has long tufts of white fur running down its face, while its facial skin, as well as its hands and feet, are black. The rest of its fur is almost olive-colored, with its front and underbelly white. The skin on its stomach has a blue tinge to it, and like all males of the Vervet monkey group of species, its scrotum is a powder-blue color. It has a distinct white line above its eyes, along with a long tail (12 to 20 inches), the tip of which is white.
When hunting in Ethiopia, the Grivet monkey is often an opportunistic trophy while targeting other species. However, hunting methods specifically targeting this species include the spot-and-stalk method. They are often hunted for meat by local communities. Target these agile creatures during daylight hours when they are more active.
The Grivet monkey is an easily accessible game hunting trophy, and is often a trophy of opportunity. These agile and highly alert monkeys travel in troops and sound the alarm as soon as danger is spotted. They are quick to disperse when the alarm is raised, making accurate shot placement a challenge. The reward of harvesting this unique trophy during an Ethiopian safari hunt is well worth mentioning.
When targeting the Grivet monkey on an African hunt, a small to medium caliber rifle should be used. A .22 to .243 will suffice. Ensuring accurate shot placement in the center of the chest will not only ensure a quick kill but also protect the trophy should you wish to mount it.
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