Details
Theropithecus gelada
The gelada is a diurnal primate of African highland grasslands. It lives in herds on the ground and is unusual among monkeys for its grass-based diet.
Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)
It uses montane grasslands and cliffs, often sleeping on steep slopes. Open grassland provides the main feeding area.
Body length is about 50-75 cm and weight about 11-21 kg. Long fur, a bare red chest patch, and a sturdy ground-moving build are distinctive.
Diurnal herds can include many individuals. While feeding, animals sit and pluck grass, keeping contact with calls and facial displays.
It is herbivorous, feeding mainly on grass blades and seeds. Dexterous fingers select short grass during long seated feeding bouts.
Infants are carried by the mother and learn spacing and rank within the herd. Young males may later move to other social units.
Its status is listed as Least Concern. Its highland grassland lifestyle shows the breadth of feeding strategies among primates.
