The Patas Monkey (Erythrocebus patas), also known as the Wadi monkey or Hussar monkey, is a ground-dwelling monkey distributed over semi-arid areas of West Africa, and into East Africa. It is the only species classified in the genus Erythrocebus. Recent phylogenetic evidence indicates that it is the closest relative of the Vervet Monkey (Cercopithecus aethiops), suggesting nomenclatural revision. There is some confusion surrounding the number of valid subspecies, with some listing four and others listing two; the western Erythrocebus patas patas (Common Patas; with a black nose) and the eastern Erythrocebus patas pyrrhonotus (Nisnas; with a white nose). Others, however, have suggested that at least some of the features used to separate these subspecies merely are variations in the female's facial pattern during pregnancy. On the other hand, the change in the nose during pregnancy occurs only in the West African populations.
Ten Facts about Patas Monkey
- The world's fastest primate, the patas (PAH-tes) monkey can run on the ground at speeds up to 55 km (34 mi) per hour.
- They have been called "the dancing monkey" because they jump when they are excited.
- Patas monkeys can hold as much food in their cheeks as they can in their stomachs. Compared to other monkeys, they are relatively quiet except during times of conflict.
- Groups of patas monkeys never spend two nights in the same place, and each monkey sleeps in the most inaccessible tree he or she can find.
- 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.
- Gestation period is between 7 1/2 and 8 months. They reach sexual maturity at around 4 years of age.
- There predators are Lions, leopards, cheetahs, caracals, jackals, wild and domestic dogs, hyenas, and humans; habitat loss.
- Normally the live 15-20 yrs, 20+ in captivity.
- The Patas Monkey lives in multi-female groups of up to 60 individuals.
- The Patas Monkey has a remarkably high reproductive rate, perhaps as an evolutionary response to the high adult mortality rates associated with this strongly terrestrial lifestyle.
