Vervet Monkey

• It is well known among primatologists for the distinctive turquoise scrotum of adult males.
• It eats fruit, seeds, leaves, flowers, tree gum, insects, small vertebrates and eggs.
• It adapts notably well to towns in eastern and southern Africa.

Skeleton type

Vertebrate - internal bony skeleton (mammal)

Habitat and environment

Savannah, open woodland and riverside country across much of eastern and southern Africa, notably well adapted to urban environments

Birth weight

Born precocial, clinging to its mother's belly

Size at birth

Born precocial

Sexual maturity

Female: ~3 years | Male: ~6 years

Gestation / incubation

5-6 months

Litter / clutch size

1 young per birth (twins occasional)

Life expectancy in captivity

Documented record of up to 33 years

Sources consulted: African Wildlife (Vervet Monkey Facts) · A-Z Animals · Vervet Monkey Species Guide (vervet.za.org) · SDZWA Fact Sheet (summary) · PMC (loud call production study) · Wikipedia (Vervet monkey)