Gelada
A species of Gelada, Also known as Gelada baboon, Northern gelada Scientific name : Theropithecus gelada Genus : Gelada
Gelada, A species of Gelada
Also known as:
Gelada baboon, Northern gelada
Scientific name: Theropithecus gelada
Genus: Gelada
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Ex0artefact , used under CC-BY-SA-3.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
The most striking feature of the jeladas is a red, hairless patch on the chest. In males this is hourglass-shaped and bright red in the rutting season, in females a series of red warts forms there during oestrus. The animals have a brown fur that is lighter colored on the underside. The muzzle is rounded and differs from that of the baboons by the side nostrils. Jeladas reach a head length of 50 to 75 centimeters, the tail becomes as long as the body and ends in a tassel. With a weight of up to 21 kilograms, the males are somewhat larger than the females, which only reach around 14 kilograms, and the males also wear an impressive mane.
General Info
Lifespan
15-20 years
Diet
Primarily, gelada's diet is a grazing herbivore predominantly consuming grasses. However, they also consume seeds, roots, and fruits adapting seasonally. Despite resembling baboons, they are unusual primate grazers rather than omnivores.
Appearance
Gelada is a large, robust primate with a dark, brownish-grey fur. Its most striking feature is the 'bleeding-heart' patch of red, hairless skin on the chest, which is more prominent in males. Males also sport a thick, dark mane that frames their face. The body is elongated with well-developed muscular limbs, suited for their ground-dwelling lifestyle. The tail is relatively short, with a tuft at the tip.
Behavior
Gelada are highly social, living in units of one dominant male and up to a dozen females. Males loudly vocalize to assert dominance and deter rivals. Gelada are terrestrial, grass-eating primates, spending the majority of their days foraging. The species is known for the 'lip-flip' display, unique within the primate world.
Population
Decreasing
Photo By Ex0artefact , used under CC-BY-SA-3.0 /Cropped and compressed from original