PATAS MONKEY
Erythrocebus patas
Geographic Distribution and Habitat
Patas monkeys, also known as hussar monkeys, wadi monkeys, nisnas, and singe rouge, are Old World monkeys that span across West, Central, and parts of East Africa. Their adaptability enables them to thrive in a wide range of environmental conditions. From the edge of the Sahara Desert—in a dry, arid climate—southward to the more tropical areas of equatorial Africa, the patas monkey thrives, typically in more open areas rather than heavily wooded areas. The densest population of patas monkeys is found in West Africa. Patas populations are also found in Senegal, Ethiopia, Mali, Chad, Niger, Kenya, Tanzania, Central African Republic, Congo, and Cameroon.
The open savanna and grass steppes with tall grasses provide protection from predators. Open woodlands and river deltas are also home to the patas. Additionally, patas monkeys have been observed moving into land that has been cleared for agriculture as well.
There are three recognized patas monkey subspecies: Western Patas Monkey, Erythrocebus p. patas, Eastern Patas Monkey, Erythrocebus p. pyrrhonotus, and Aïr Patas Monkey, Erythrocebus p. villiersi, each defined by its geographic distribution.
Patas monkeys, also known as hussar monkeys, wadi monkeys, nisnas, and singe rouge, are Old World monkeys that span across West, Central, and parts of East Africa. Their adaptability enables them to thrive in a wide range of environmental conditions. From the edge of the Sahara Desert—in a dry, arid climate—southward to the more tropical areas of equatorial Africa, the patas monkey thrives, typically in more open areas rather than heavily wooded areas. The densest population of patas monkeys is found in West Africa. Patas populations are also found in Senegal, Ethiopia, Mali, Chad, Niger, Kenya, Tanzania, Central African Republic, Congo, and Cameroon.
The open savanna and grass steppes with tall grasses provide protection from predators. Open woodlands and river deltas are also home to the patas. Additionally, patas monkeys have been observed moving into land that has been cleared for agriculture as well.
There are three recognized patas monkey subspecies: Western Patas Monkey, Erythrocebus p. patas, Eastern Patas Monkey, Erythrocebus p. pyrrhonotus, and Aïr Patas Monkey, Erythrocebus p. villiersi, each defined by its geographic distribution.
Patas monkey geographic range. Map credit: IUCN, 2020
Size, Weight, and Lifespan With a body length of 25-35 in (61-89 cm) and a tail length of 20-30 in (51-76 cm), patases are a medium-to-large size for Old World monkeys. They are sexualy dimorphic; the males are generally larger than the females, and weigh between 15 and 29 lbs (6.8-13.2 kg). Females weigh between 9 and 15 lbs (4.1-6.8 kg). Their lifespan in the wild is 15-20 years; in captivity their lifespan is 21-24 years. Appearance
Males are a bit brighter in color than females, with a thick red-brown coat and a whiter pelage on their legs and ventrum. The crown of their head is a darker hue of red, almost brown in color. Their forward looking, close-set eyes resemble their human primate cousins. They have larger canines, proportional to their size, than any other primate. Adults of the eastern species have white noses, while in the west, their nose color may be more toward brown or black. In adults, black fur runs alongside their face up to the ear, accentuating their facial features. Both males and females sport a white mustache, however the male’s facial hair is longer and thicker. Babies are born with pinkish faces and a pale brown coat that darkens as they age. Another characteristic unique to males is their blue scrotum and the hair on their shoulders, which is similar to a mane. Both males and females have large cushioned rumps for sitting comfortably. The most distinguishing features of this primate are adaptations that have evolved for life on the savanna. Patas have smaller digits on their hands, flat palms, long legs, a slim body, and a pronounced chest. Indeed, as they lope quickly through the brush, their movement more resembles a greyhound than a monkey. When running to escape predators, they are able to achieve speeds up to 34.2 miles (55 km) per hour. |
What Does It Mean?Bipedal:
A biped is an animal that walk on two legs. So, bipedally refers to animals moving on two legs This comes from the Latin meaning “two feet.” Omnivore: Having a diet that consists of food of both plant and animal origin. Polygyny: A pattern of mating in which a male animal has more than one female mate. Quadrupedal: To be quadrupedal is to use four limbs/legs to locomote. This word comes from the Latin meaning “four feet.” Ventrum: The stomach or belly area, the outside lower surface of the torso. |
Diet
Patas monkeys are omnivores. Their primary diet relies on all parts of the acadia tree (gum, flowers, seeds, pods, and young leaves) and arthropods. They also eat various berries, fruits, and bird eggs. The rainy and dry seasons have a large effect on their diet. They have been observed stealing baby birds from nests, eating fish removed from drying streams, and spending a large amount of time foraging for insects.
With an increase in agriculture in their native habitat, patas are raiding crops as a new and easily obtained source of food. They have been known to steal pineapples, millet, wheat, bananas, peanuts, and dates and eat the flowers from cotton plants.
Patas monkeys are omnivores. Their primary diet relies on all parts of the acadia tree (gum, flowers, seeds, pods, and young leaves) and arthropods. They also eat various berries, fruits, and bird eggs. The rainy and dry seasons have a large effect on their diet. They have been observed stealing baby birds from nests, eating fish removed from drying streams, and spending a large amount of time foraging for insects.
With an increase in agriculture in their native habitat, patas are raiding crops as a new and easily obtained source of food. They have been known to steal pineapples, millet, wheat, bananas, peanuts, and dates and eat the flowers from cotton plants.
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Behavior and Lifestyle
The range of the patas monkey covers a large area of approximately 12.35 square miles (3,200 hectares). They are diurnal and spend the day grooming, interacting socially, and foraging for food, interspersed with a rest period in the afternoon. At night, the group spreads out in the trees as protection from predators, of which there are many! Hyenas, raptors, cheetahs, jaguars, tigers, and humans all prey upon the patas monkey. When water is scarce, groups may gather together around a watering hole. One observer noted 200 patas monkeys around a watering hole during a particularly dry season. Patas monkeys are generally quadrupedal, but will stand bipedally to check for danger. They may walk on their hind legs when using both hands to clasp objects. As patas stand to scan their environment, they also “keep tabs” on their group. This assures that no antagonism is in the making and group cohesion reigns. Daily Life and Group Dynamics
Patas monkeys live in groups of 9-40 members. The group is primarily a female hierarchy that is not as structured and unchanging as that of other Cercopithecidae. Grooming among females shows their relationship status and social standing. Favored members are groomed and fussed over. Females will also allomother the infants of their group. The dominant male does not get involved in these domestic affairs, aside from loud verbal warnings when danger approaches. His role is to maintain a position up in a tree or on a high rock to keep a look-out, though he will be groomed by the high-ranking females of his harem. Young males leave the group at the age of puberty (approximately age 3) to live with other bachelors. These male groups provide protection for young males. During mating season, they will mate with females from many groups. It has been observed that clandestine trysts, set up by females, will occur with males from outside her family group. When water is scarce and groups gather around a watering hole, friction sometimes occurs between groups. Aggressive behavior will be exhibited by the dominant male and females alike. Bared canines and domineering stances warn other groups to steer clear. |
Fun FactsThe patas monkey can run at speeds up to 34.2 miles (55 km) per hour, which makes it the fastest primate on earth! When seen from afar, a running patas monkey may be mistaken for a cheetah. Because patas monkeys are such fast runners, they would rather run than stick around and fight! Patas monkeys produce different warning calls for different predators. This way, the family group knows who is in the area. The patas monkey is one of only three species of primates who still live on the savanna. |
Communication
Since patas monkeys live in an open habitat, they rely on visual contact. To keep predators from knowing their presence, they have developed physical cues (rather than vocal) to communicate with one another. They exhibit many warning or alarm calls. Male patas monkeys use certain alarm calls specific to each predator so the group knows which predator is in the vicinity. When raptors or snakes are seen, the male will call a “gecker” or “chudder” sound. If baboons, jackals, dogs, or large cats are in the area, he will shout a loud “chudder” or an even more piercing “nyow.” Sometimes jackals and wildcats will illicit a quieter “cough” alarm.
Infant patas monkeys let their needs be known with a “want” call. In response, the allomothers approach the baby with a “moo” to provide comfort.
Olfactory communication has also been observed. One patas monkey will place her nose near another’s mouth and seem to sniff. Scientists believe the purpose of this behavior is to determine what food was eaten.
Since patas monkeys live in an open habitat, they rely on visual contact. To keep predators from knowing their presence, they have developed physical cues (rather than vocal) to communicate with one another. They exhibit many warning or alarm calls. Male patas monkeys use certain alarm calls specific to each predator so the group knows which predator is in the vicinity. When raptors or snakes are seen, the male will call a “gecker” or “chudder” sound. If baboons, jackals, dogs, or large cats are in the area, he will shout a loud “chudder” or an even more piercing “nyow.” Sometimes jackals and wildcats will illicit a quieter “cough” alarm.
Infant patas monkeys let their needs be known with a “want” call. In response, the allomothers approach the baby with a “moo” to provide comfort.
Olfactory communication has also been observed. One patas monkey will place her nose near another’s mouth and seem to sniff. Scientists believe the purpose of this behavior is to determine what food was eaten.
Reproduction and Family
The patas family group is a “harem” polygyny or one in which a male mates with many females. However, males from outside the group may join in to mate during breeding season. Mating season is during the “winter months” and, depending on geographic location, may be from June to December or October to January.
Males mate at approximately 4 years of age. Females are ready to mate at approximately 3 years of age. Females initiate the sexual exchange. There is no outward sign she is in estrus, so the males will wait until they are approached. The female stands on all fours with her rear toward the male, and looks over her shoulder as an invitation to mate. The gestation period is about 170 days and the baby nurses for 3-5 months, being fully weaned by one year of age. Generally, females have only one infant per year.
The patas family group is a “harem” polygyny or one in which a male mates with many females. However, males from outside the group may join in to mate during breeding season. Mating season is during the “winter months” and, depending on geographic location, may be from June to December or October to January.
Males mate at approximately 4 years of age. Females are ready to mate at approximately 3 years of age. Females initiate the sexual exchange. There is no outward sign she is in estrus, so the males will wait until they are approached. The female stands on all fours with her rear toward the male, and looks over her shoulder as an invitation to mate. The gestation period is about 170 days and the baby nurses for 3-5 months, being fully weaned by one year of age. Generally, females have only one infant per year.
Photo credit: Charles J Sharp/Creative Commons
Ecological Role
The varied diet of patas monkeys makes their presence on the savannah, steppes, and sparse woodlands of Sub Saharan Africa of utmost importance in repopulating the ecosystem. Patas monkeys eat the seeds of fruit and particularly acacia trees, which are then dispersed as they roam their large range areas. Acacia trees are a food source for many other species and, for this reason, patas monkeys play an integral role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem.
The varied diet of patas monkeys makes their presence on the savannah, steppes, and sparse woodlands of Sub Saharan Africa of utmost importance in repopulating the ecosystem. Patas monkeys eat the seeds of fruit and particularly acacia trees, which are then dispersed as they roam their large range areas. Acacia trees are a food source for many other species and, for this reason, patas monkeys play an integral role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem.
Conservation Status and Threats
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The International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species classifies the patas monkey as Near Threatened (IUCN, 2020). They are threatened by habitat degradation, fragmentation and loss due primarily to agricultural expansion and intensification (both crops and livestock), charcoal production and ’development’ activities (e.g., settlements, roads, powerlines, dams, wind farms). They are hunted for food in Central Africa and West Africa, and are widely persecuted as a crop pests. They are on the verge of extinction in Kenya.
Agriculture has changed from more natural, small farms, to larger full-scale plantations. Patas monkeys do not need dense woodlands, but they do need tall trees for protection, particularly at night. With the destruction of wooded areas, patas monkeys will not thrive. The introduction of agriculture and the resultant “free food” that patas monkeys find there has caused conflict with human primates. Farmers often retaliate against the raiding patas by killing what they consider to be “pests.” Patas monkeys are hunted for bushmeat over all parts of its geographic distribution but, particularly, in Central and West Africa. In addition, they are captured for use as research animals. There is a need to clarify how many research animals are captive bred and how many are wild caught. |
Conservation Efforts
Some conservation efforts in various countries in Africa have ensured that the patas monkey has protection within national preserves and parks. Countries like Cameroon and Kenya require special permits in order to export patas monkeys.
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) lists the patas monkey as Appendix II. The African Convention lists the patas monkey as Class B. This status protects them somewhat, as it states that official government authorization is needed for the capture or killing of this species.
The Uganda Wildlife Education Center and the Kenya Wildlife Service are actively involved in monitoring and protecting patas monkey populations in their countries. Several other countries have created habitats for patas monkeys when their natural homes have been destroyed. Kenya has created the “PataBase,” an online resource, to gather information and to monitor their country’s patas populations.
Some conservation efforts in various countries in Africa have ensured that the patas monkey has protection within national preserves and parks. Countries like Cameroon and Kenya require special permits in order to export patas monkeys.
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) lists the patas monkey as Appendix II. The African Convention lists the patas monkey as Class B. This status protects them somewhat, as it states that official government authorization is needed for the capture or killing of this species.
The Uganda Wildlife Education Center and the Kenya Wildlife Service are actively involved in monitoring and protecting patas monkey populations in their countries. Several other countries have created habitats for patas monkeys when their natural homes have been destroyed. Kenya has created the “PataBase,” an online resource, to gather information and to monitor their country’s patas populations.
References:
- https://www.alltheworldsprimates.org/Members/Home.aspx
- https://a-z-animals.com/animals/patas-monkey/
- http://pin.primate.wisc.edu/factsheets/entry/patas_monkey
- http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/8073/0
- https://www.arkive.org/patas-monkey/erythrocebus-patas/
- http://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Erythrocebus_patas/
- http://theanimalfacts.com/mammals/patas-monkey/
Written by Carolyn North, March 2018. Conservation status updated July 2020.
