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PHYSICAL
CHARACTERISTICS:
The body plan of a patas monkey
bears a remarkable resemblance to that of a greyhound.
It has the same long legs, narrow body and prominent rib
cage. It is probably the fastest primate on earth, its
long legs giving it a tremendous loping stride. With a
russet-red coat, gray chin whiskers and white military
mustache, it looks like a grumpy, retired British
colonel.
DISTRIBUTION and
HABITAT:
The patas monkey, also known as
the red or hussar monkey, is one of the most remarkable
of all the African primates. It is exclusively
terrestrial, lives in savanna country and can tolerate
very arid conditions, being found right up to the
southern edge of the Sahara desert. In their life style
and habits patas monkeys are similar to baboons, which
are also terrestrial monkeys.
BEHAVIOR:
Patas monkeys live in groups of
about 15 with only a single, dominant, fully adult male.
The patas male plays a role that is well suited to the
open country where the group is exposed to attack by
leopards and hyenas. He acts as a watchdog, standing on
two feet to peer over the tall grass, sometimes using
his tail as a tripod, or climbing into an isolated tree
to spy out the land. If he sees a predator, he utters no
noisy alarm bark, just a soft chirruping call that
alerts the group. Then they crouch silently in the
grass, remaining concealed while the male performs a
conspicuous diversionary display. Bouncing noisily about
in the branches of his tree, he rushes off in the
opposite direction, giving time for the females and
young of the group to make their escape.
Surplus males live in separate
bands. Several of them will occasionally approach a
troop of females and set about their single male in an
attempt to drive him away and take his place. Such
incidents are quite frequent and biologically desirable
in that they prevent inbreeding.
The patas can climb small trees
when alarmed but usually rely on their speed on the
ground to escape from danger. They have been seen many
miles from water, therefore they probably can exist
under semi arid conditions. These monkeys are alert and
seldom permit close approach. The young usually take
refuge in small trees when pursued.
DIET:
The patas monkeys are omnivorous,
but can apparently subsist on either animal or vegetable
food alone. They search on the ground for insects,
grubs, buds, leaves, fruits, and roots, and probably
young birds and eggs.
REPRODUCTION and
GROWTH:
Gestation period is between 7 1/2
and 8 months. They reach sexual maturity at around four
years of age. | 
Pet Patas Monkeys For
Sale
