Patas Monkey
Erythrocebus patasClass: Mammalia Order: Primates Family: Cercopithecidae
Size
Height: 20-30 in (body, 20-27 in (tail)
Weight: 20-29 lbs
Lifespan
15-20 years
Diet
Patas monkeys are omnivores and have a varied diet. Fruit and insects make up the majority of their diet, but these monkeys also feed on leaves, flowers, roots, eggs, and small vertebrates.
Habitat & Range
Savanna and woodland habitats of Africa
Interesting Facts
- Patas monkeys are terrestrial meaning they spend most of their time on the ground rather than in trees. However, they do sleep in trees at night, and will select a different tree each night to avoid predators.
- Patas monkeys are the fastest primates on Earth. They can move at speeds up to 34 mph. The average top running speed for a human is between 13 and 20 miles per hour.
- Patas monkeys often live in groups composed primarily of females and a single male. The male spends much of his time keeping watch for danger.
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Threats
This wide spread species is currently considered least concern. However, they are threatened by habitat loss and are sometimes hunted as food.
