Vervet Monkeys in Nyungwe – Deep within Nyungwe Forest, vervet monkeys swing through the trees, showcasing how well they have adapted to the lush environment.
These monkeys are a source of fascination for primatologists and other visitors, drawing people from all over the world each year to observe their dynamic social behavior.
Vervet monkeys are considered Old World monkeys and are sexually dimorphic, with males being larger than females.
Unlike other families in the monkey world, the mother takes over dominance initially, ensuring there is enough food and taking care of the young ones.
The mothers are not selfish; they allow each member to play a specific role, from foraging and childcare to sentry duties and conflict resolution.
Later, when males mature, they leave the group, and their fighting skills and age determine their ability to take over dominance elsewhere.
Reading about these amazing traits will surely make you curious to learn more about their predators and how they hide from these dangerous species. If you’re interested in other primates in the park, you might also enjoy seeing golden monkeys during your visit.
Leopards, baboons, pythons, and eagles are the major threats to vervet monkeys, which is why they have developed alarm calls to warn others of approaching danger.
They use different calls to alert the group to flying predators or human presence. Vervet monkeys employ an allomother system, where young females nearing motherhood take care of infants to experience what motherhood feels like.
Every female is involved in the care of the infants, even those that are not their own, creating a strong social bond among these species.
Interestingly, vervet females do not show any signs of menstruation, but they have a gestation period of 165 days, typically from September to February, and usually give birth to a single offspring.
Occasionally, they can give birth to twins once a year.
The vervet monkey’s diet is equally fascinating, as it includes fruits, roots, insects, and leaves.
This means they often come down to the ground but are always vigilant, watching out for predators. If you’re keen on observing other wildlife, forest elephants are another remarkable species you might encounter in Nyungwe.
If you have time after primate trekking, you can also explore the park further and enjoy the canopy walks as you head to the nearby local communities, where you can learn about their way of life. Don’t forget to look out for the vibrant butterflies that add to the park’s beauty.
Remember to respect these amazing species and their habitats by keeping a distance and following the guidelines provided by park rangers.
Visit Nyungwe Forest with these recommended Chimpanzee Trekking Companies or send us an inquiry below to book directly through this website.
