Vervets are found in the northern and southern savannahs, ranging from Senegal to Sudan. There are about 20 sub-species in these areas. Their preferred habitat is acacia woodland along streams, rivers and lakes.

Males vary in size from 45-85cm and weigh between 3.5-7.5kg, while females, range from 40-60cm in size and weigh between 2.5-5.5kg. Vervets are small and slender with a long tail. Both sexes have sharp canine teeth.

The Vervet Monkey eats a wide range of fruits, figs, leaves, seeds and flowers. It also eats birds' eggs and young chicks, and insects (grasshoppers and termites). In human inhabited environments it will eat bread and various crops, especially maize.

Vervet society is built on complex but stable social groups (called troops) of 10 to 50 individuals-mainly adult females and their immature offspring. There is a strict social hierarchy among troop members:a mother's social standing predetermines her offspring's, and even adults in a family must submit to juveniles of families with higher social status.

They have a number of predators including leopards, servals, caracals, crocodiles, baboons, pythons and large eagles. In human inhabited areas this species is in danger from electricity pylons, vehicles, dogs, pellet guns, poison, and bullets and is trapped for traditional medicine, bush meat, and for biomedical research.

OUR VERVET MONKEYS

Elle-Jay
Elle-Jay was born in 2007. She is the ‘mastermind' of the group and the most dominant.

Mbozi
Mbozi is Elle-Jay's side kick and is a confident monkey.

Kay-Gee
KayGee was born in 2007. She is the comedian and lower in ranking in the troop.

Funky
Funky, also born in 2007. Friends with the dominant monkey, Elle-Jay.

Kipili
Kipili, born in 1999, is one of the ‘The King Pins' of the troop.

DID YOU KNOW?

• The Vervet Monkey uses different sounds to warn of different types of predators. They have distinct calls to warn of the sighting of a leopard, a snake, or an eagle.
• Vervets living near areas inhabited by people can become pests, stealing food and other items and raiding crops.
• Also is known as the Grivet Monkey or Green Monkey.