Vervet Monkey
Chlorocebus pygerythrus
Vervet Monkey, an omnivore in African savannas, bushes, and farmland edges.
| Scientific name | Chlorocebus pygerythrus |
|---|---|
| Swahili name | Kima wa kijani |
| Conservation status | Least Concern |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Primates |
| Family | Cercopithecidae |
| Size | Males: 4.5-7.5 kg; Females: 3.5-5.5 kg |
How to identify
Face with distinct white eyebrows and black face; body fur gray-green; long tail without rings; medium-sized with slender limbs; diverse vocalizations with complex social calls
Habitat
Open woodland savanna, shrubs, valleys, and edges of farmland
Diet
Omnivorous, primarily consuming fruits, seeds, leaves, insects, and small invertebrates
When it is active
Diurnal, active during the day, more active at dusk
Where it lives
East Africa region, including Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, and parts of South Africa; commonly found in Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve
How to spot it
Most active early morning and at dusk; observe social behaviors and calls while maintaining distance to avoid disturbance
Photography tips
Use telephoto lenses to capture facial expressions and social interactions; utilize natural light to photograph habitat backgrounds
Threats
Habitat loss, conflicts with farmland, and hunting
Similar species
Green monkey (Chlorocebus sabaeus), differs in facial coloration and distribution; Blue monkey (Cercopithecus mitis), larger and with different fur coloration
