Mandrill - description, habitat, lifestyle

Mandril means a very brightly colored monkey called the sphinx. He is almost the only such representative among mammals. The primates of this family are similar to drills, but the latter are shy and not so prominent. Individuals differ from the self-similar way of life, habits and other equally important characteristics. Let's analyze them in more detail so that you can make your own opinion. We will not delay, we’ll start right away.

Description

1. Representatives of the family are classified as mammals and the monkey family. They are the closest relatives of dril. They are also assigned to the group of baboons and have some distinctive features when compared with self-similar. Animals take a natural position - on four limbs. In this position, they are somewhat similar at the same time as wild boars, baboons and dogs.
2. The head is massive, the muzzle is long and straight. The nose is large, the nostrils are swollen. It is this feature that makes individuals similar to boars. This characteristic is only supported by a massive lower jaw section from below. The eyes are close enough to each other. The ears at the ends are a bit sharp, small in size.
3. The teeth are large enough, when the individual opens its mouth, they are clearly visible. The fangs are elongated, so primates are similar to different predators. On the face there are vibrissae, which are combined with yellow warts in individuals of male gender. There is no vegetation in the upper part above the eyebrows. The tail is shortened.
4. If a male animal rises to its hind limbs, it will stretch up to 0.8 m in height and even more. As for the females, they grow to a maximum of 55 cm with a body weight of 15 kg. (also the maximum value). Males are much larger, can reach 55 kg in weight.
5. These animals differ from the sebaceous in that their limbs are almost the same length. Palms with feet rather narrow, fingers of medium length. Animals are endowed with elongated hair that covers the whole body. Short fur is available only on the shoulders and legs. The coat fits snugly, but puffs in the eyebrows.
6. Of course, all these characteristics are incomparable with what primates are so valued for. They are pigmented in different colors, especially the muzzle. The genitals of males can be purple, bluish, or scarlet. The nostrils are red, as is the back of the nose. In this zone there are gray-blue stripes, especially this trait is distinguished in males. The wool against the background is gray-brown and highlighted in the abdomen.

Lifestyle

1. Representatives of the family are characterized by the way families live. They are collected in groups of 20 individuals on average. As a rule, all relatives are among themselves. Females with offspring are headed by the male - the head of the pack. By the nature of their stay, they love serenity, they allocate about 45 sq. M. km On this site and live.
2. If there are a lot of primates, then they can gather in large flocks. For example, grouped in 200 individuals. In this manner, individuals exist as long as there is food. As soon as the food supply ends, the animals disperse in different directions.
3. The individuals are awake, preferably in the early hours, in the morning. They walk around their site, collect food, can turn over cobblestones. When food is found, primates eat it locally or carry it high on a tree and try it there. After the meal, wool cleaning, washing, games, clarification of relations between male representatives begins.
4. No one has the right to indicate what to do to the leader. The patriarchy is unshakable.Everything from young to old individuals and females obeys the head of the pack. The leader chooses a route, a place for food extraction, resolves conflicts and manages all other actions.

Life span

1. It is noteworthy that primates can live long enough. If they are kept in captivity and provided with everything necessary, they will easily reach 50 years. It is worth knowing that under artificial conditions, such individuals interbreed with other species.
2. Interestingly, as a result, quite viable offspring are born. Absolutely healthy young growth is obtained by crossing baboons and mandrills. Mangabeys and drills can also be attributed here.
3. In addition, the pairing of macaques and mandrills should be completely eliminated. It will not lead to anything good. Weakened cubs will appear who are likely to die in the future. The rest of the individuals are especially popular in zoos around the world due to their unusual color.

Diet

1. It is worth noting that the individuals considered are omnivorous. However, most of the diet falls on food of plant origin. Almost 90% of the total menu are fruits, berries and plants.
2. Also, such primates often regale with seeds, nuts, leaves, stems and even tree bark. It is noteworthy that individuals obtain their own food, both on the ground and on trees. In addition, animals can clean themselves any fetus without any problems.
3. It is also interesting that mandrills do not disdain to eat food that can remain from the same monkeys. Such individuals often arrange a feast on the trees. Monkeys often leave behind unfinished fruit. Mandrills pick them up on the ground.
4. In addition to plant foods, the animals presented often include protein products in the diet. Most often they are presented in the form of beetles, termites, snails, ants, scorpions, grasshoppers, frogs, rodents and even birds.
5. It is curious that the gastronomic preferences of baboons and mandrils differ greatly. The former are not at all content with small animals. On the contrary, they can hunt for larger prey, such as young antelopes.
6. If the area pleases with an abundance of food, in such a plot you can often meet several families of different types of primates. As for the maintenance of individuals in captivity, their diet is changing somewhat. Here they have a balanced diet on a schedule.

Breeding

1. Interestingly, the mating season in individuals coincides with the dry season. It lasts from mid-summer to mid-spring. At this time, the dominant male is trying to get around his entire harem. At the same time, the leader does not allow having a love affair to his companions on the side.
2. It is extremely exciting to watch such individuals. An alpha male can single out his most beloved wives. The rest enjoy far less favor. In any case, all the offspring that are born are direct descendants of the leader. When females are ready to mate, they secrete pheromones.
3. After mating, females bear offspring for 8 months. It is noteworthy that only 1 baby is born. After the birth of the offspring, the mother carefully protects her baby. She also deals with his education.

Mandrills are amazing primates. Such animals attract the attention of people around the world because of their unusual color. The rest of the primates in behavior and diet are similar to some relatives.

Video: Mandrill (Mandrillus sphinx)