Gelada
Taxonomy and Evolution
The Gelada (Theropithecus gelada), sometimes referred to as the Gelada Baboon, is a species of Old World monkeys that is endemic to the Ethiopian highlands. Despite its colloquial name, the Gelada is not a true baboon but is the last surviving species of the once widespread genus Theropithecus. The Gelada's closest living relatives are the baboons (Papio) and the mandrills (Mandrillus).
Physical Characteristics
Geladas are large monkeys, with males typically weighing between 18.5 and 20.5 kilograms and females weighing between 11 and 14.7 kilograms. They are characterized by their dark faces, light brown to dark brown fur, and a distinctive hourglass-shaped patch of skin on their chest, which is bright red in males and surrounded by white hair. This patch, often referred to as a "bleeding-heart", is more pronounced in males and changes color depending on the individual's emotional state.
Behavior and Ecology
Geladas are unique among primates in that they are primarily graminivorous, feeding almost exclusively on grasses. They spend most of their day foraging for grass, seeds, and roots, but will occasionally consume insects and small vertebrates. Geladas are also one of the few primate species that are almost entirely terrestrial, spending up to 99% of their time on the ground.
Geladas live in complex multi-level societies, often referred to as a 'fission-fusion' system. The basic social unit is the reproductive unit, consisting of one to twelve females, their offspring, and one to four males. Several reproductive units and bachelor groups form a band, and several bands form a community. Communities of Geladas, which can number up to 1200 individuals, come together in large herds for foraging during the day and sleep together on cliff ledges at night.
Conservation Status
The Gelada is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, but its population is declining due to habitat loss and hunting. The species is protected in several national parks in Ethiopia, but outside these protected areas, Geladas often come into conflict with local farmers who view them as pests.