Vervet monkey

The vervet monkey, an intriguing member of the Cercopithecidae family native to Africa, is renowned for its distinct subspecies primarily found in Southern and parts of Eastern Africa. These monkeys are easily identifiable by their black faces and grey body hair, with males typically being larger than females. Vervet monkeys are often utilized in research to study genetic and social behaviors, as they exhibit human-like traits such as hypertension and alcohol consumption.

Historically, vervet monkeys were classified under the name Cercopithecus aethiops. However, they are now recognized under the genus Chlorocebus, with five subspecies identified. Researchers have extensively examined their communication, alarm calls, and social structures. Vervet monkeys live in social groups, and males usually leave their natal group upon reaching sexual maturity.

These monkeys display complex social behaviors and maintain clear dominance hierarchies for both males and females. They often exhibit aggression towards lower-ranked group members. Their communication is particularly sophisticated; they use specific alarm calls to signal different predators. Vervet mothers can recognize their offspring by their cries, and familial bonds play a significant role in their interactions.

Vervet monkeys primarily consume plants but are not averse to raiding crops, which sometimes leads to conflicts with humans. They are highly adaptable and can thrive in diverse habitats across Southern and Eastern Africa. Despite facing threats from human activities that have led to population declines in some regions, the vervet monkey is currently listed as "Least Concern" by the IUCN.

These monkeys have a longstanding history with humans. They appear in ancient Egyptian art and were known to the people of Akrotiri around 2000 BC. Archaeological findings from Berenike dating back to the 1st century AD suggest that vervet monkeys were even kept as pets during that time.