All about the savanna Patas Monkey, Uganda primate

The patas monkey has a white mane on both sides of its face. The male’s mane is longer than the female’s. Actually, people call the Patas monkey the “Military monkey” because of its distinct appearance.

The male Patas is nearly twice the weight of the female: 7-13 kg for the male and 4-7 kg for the female. They can run up to about 55km/h on the ground.

Patas monkeys live in fairly large groups of about 30 individuals, with usually one male present. One or two females lead the group, and the adult male acts as the guard and lookout. They are so active during the day and rest during the hot hours.

However much they can climb high in trees, they are terrestrial. When Patas monkeys sense danger, they immediately use their impressive ground speed to escape; consequently, their swift movement is their primary defence.

They eat a wide range of plant material and animal prey. Patas usually feed on leaves, flowers, fruits, seeds, geckos, chameleons, bird eggs and so on. They mostly feed in the morning and evening hours.

Patas monkeys have a gestation period of about 167days. Young Patas cling to the female first as they gradually become independent. In Uganda, most Patas are born around February, whereas in other countries, such as Kenya, they are mostly born between June and September.

Lions, leopards, jackals, wild dogs, and pythons regularly hunt Patas monkeys; consequently, these primates must stay alert while they feed daily.

Other monkey species live here and have different behaviours—for example, vervet monkeys, black-and-white colobus, red colobus, and others.

We are wildtravelsafaris.com, here for you on your next safari.