MAMMAL MONDAY # 21

MAMMAL MONDAY# 21

Who’s up and excited for Mammal Monday? We are! We found a desert loving primate for today! You better have your cameras ready, because this monkey sure is fast! Let’s get moving!

MEET THE PATAS MONKEY!

Range/Habitat: Western-Eastern Central Africa/ desert-grasslands

Diet: Omnivore: seeds, insects, tubers

Length/Weight: 23-35”/ 22-29lb

Conservation Status: Common

Fun Facts:

• Patas Monkeys have long slim bodies, arms and legs.
• Patas monkeys live in troops of 10-15 individual animals. The troops are made up of females, their offspring and one dominant male.
• Patas monkeys have a white moustache and beard, that make them look like old men J.
• They are very fast, probably the fastest primate on earth. They don’t climb trees to escape predators, but can outrun them.
• Patas monkeys can run up to 34 miles per hour.
• The male in the troop stands around the edge of the troop and acts as a guard and as a lookout.

These fast and regal looking monkeys are very special! Who wants to race a Patas monkey! Both Ellie and Edmond are pretty sure we could outrun one!