Chlorocebus pygerythrus

The Chlorocebus pygerythrus, commonly known as the vervet monkey, is a species of monkey native to sub-Saharan Africa. These monkeys are quadrupedal and inhabit savannas and dry deciduous forests, with their range extending from Egypt to South Africa.1

Vervet monkeys are characterized by their pale yellow or white underparts, black faces, and black hands, feet, and tail tips. Males have distinctive bluish abdominal skin, bright blue scrotums, and red penises. They possess cheek pouches for storing food and typically weigh around 5.5 kg (12.1 pounds) for males and 4.1 kg (9 pounds) for females.1

These monkeys are omnivorous, feeding on plants, insects, small vertebrates, and fungi. They are preyed upon by leopards, pythons, birds of prey, and humans. Vervet monkeys utilize a sophisticated system of vocalizations to warn each other of specific predators, prompting coordinated group responses. They live in social groups led by a dominant male, with females often influencing dominance struggles. While most vervet monkey species are of least concern, the bale monkey is classified as vulnerable.1