Where does the gelada live?
The gelada lives only in the Ethiopian Highlands, at 1,800 to 4,400 m above sea level. It is found in the high grasslands of the deep gorges of the central Ethiopian plateau. It is the only living member of its genus, whose name comes from Greek roots meaning "beast-ape". It is sometimes called the bleeding-heart monkey, because of the red hourglass-shaped patch on the chest of adult males.
What does the gelada eat?
Like its close relatives the baboons, it lives mostly on the ground. Grass makes up to 90% of its diet: geladas are the only primates that are primarily grass-eaters and grazers. It has several adaptations for this terrestrial lifestyle. Its social life is complex, with a multilevel structure. Adult males have a long, heavy cape of hair on their backs.
Is the gelada endangered?
No: the IUCN lists it as Least Concern. It does, however, live in only one small region of the world, the Ethiopian Highlands. Males average 18.5 kg and females 11 kg.
