MANDRILL Papio sphinx MAMMAL Order Primata Description This species is one of the largest of all monkeys, head + body length about 32 in, tail about 3 in; 25-45 lb (male larger). Coat olive-brown above, pale underneath. Adult males have bluish naked rump, a bright blue and red muzzle and yellow 'beard' (females and juveniles duller). Prominent bony ridges present on each side of the nose. Range west central Africat southern Cameroon, equatorial New Guinea, Gabon, Congo. Status Habitat conversion for farming is the primary threat to habitats that support this species. The Lincoln Park Zoo is a member of the Mandrill SSP.

Ecology Habitat forest floor during the day; sleeps in trees at night.   Niche eats mostly fruit, seeds, fungi, roots, insects and small vertebrates; will also eat grass. Diurnal and terrestrial. Group size includes an alpha male, several females and juveniles. Excess males live alone or forage with the group. During dry season, several groups come together to form troops of up to 200. Home range is very large for this species: 9000-12,000 acres. Life History Single young born after gestation of 5.6-5.9 mo. Seasonal births occur Jan-Apr, probably in conjunction with the rainy season. Birth intervals vary with several factors, primarily food supply. Daughters stay with mother's troop while males usually leave their natal troop around adolescence. Special Adaptations Long jaw provides area for large cheek teeth to grind hard foods such as seeds and grasses. Powerful hands used for digging roots and bulbs. Cheek pouches open beside lower teeth and extend down the side of the neck; they can hold the equivalent of a stomach load of food, leaving hands and feet free for running and climbing. Enlarged canines in males serve as threat devices and weapons. Facial colors help in species identification. Relatively longer front limbs aid in ground walking; joint between palm and fingers forms an extension of the arm; walking surface of the hand is the outside of the 4 fingers.