Mandrill

The Mandrill (Mandrillus sphinx) is a primate of the Cercopithecidae (Old-world monkeys) family, closely related to the baboons and even more closely to the Drill. Both the Mandrill and the Drill were once classified as baboons in genus Papio, but recent research has determined that they should be separated into their own genus, Mandrillus. The Mandrill is the world's largest species of monkey. The word mandrill means "man-ape" according to the Oxford English Dictionary.

Description

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 average 55-60 lbs (25-30 kg), females about half as much (11.5-13.6 kg or 25-30 lbs). Unusually large males can weigh 110 lbs (50 kg). The average male is 81 cm (32 in) and the female is 56 cm (22 in), with the tail adding another 5-8 cm (2-3 in). They 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 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 so genetically different as to be separate subspecies.

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