The Patas monkey (Erythrocebus patas) is aground-dwelling species found in the semi-arid regions of West Africa and into East Africa. It is known by a variety of names, including the hussar monkey, Military monkey, Red guenon, Wadi monkey, Sergeant Major monkey, Dancing monkey, and Common patas monkey.
Three subspecies of Patas monkeys are generally recognized, although there are some bodies and organizations that only recognize two and others that only recognize four subspecies:
- East Africa – E.p. pyrrhonotus
- North-central Tanzania – E.p. baumstarki
Although these monkeys prefer a habitat inclusive of long grasses and scattered trees, their habitats also include grasslands, thickets, and wooded savannas. They like dry savannas and rocky areas but tend to avoid dense cover. They are the most terrestrial of all primates, except for baboons and gelada, and can reach speeds of 34 miles per hour on a run.
Known as the fastest primate worldwide, the Patas monkey is omnivorous, feasting on a variety of foods such as insects, eggs, small birds, lizards, berries, seeds, and fruits, as well as the pods, seeds, gum, and leaves of Acacia trees.
They live in troops of between 10-40 members, with the troop consisting of females and their offspring and one dominant male. The females of the troop tend to lead the group and are also responsible for defending their territory against other troops. Males of the group often expose themselves to predators that may appear, to allow other troop members to hide. Predators of this primate include leopards, lions, wild dogs, pythons, hyenas, and eagles.
Males and females generally only socialize to breed. After a gestation period of 170 days, a single infant monkey is born, with black coloring. Breeding is seasonal, with most births occurring in the driest months.
The Patas monkey is listed as near threatened by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
