Where does the mandrill live?
The mandrill lives in west-central Africa, mostly in tropical rainforests, but it also crosses savannas. Its range is bounded by the Sanaga River to the north and the Ogooué and Ivindo Rivers to the east. It also lives in patchy gallery forests surrounded by savanna. It spends most of its time on the ground, but sometimes feeds as high as the canopy. It is active by day.
What does the mandrill eat?
The mandrill is an omnivore. It prefers fruit and seeds, but also eats leaves, piths, mushrooms and animals, from insects to young bay duikers. It lives in large, stable groups called hordes: females form the core, while adult males are solitary and only rejoin the group to breed. It is one of the most colourful mammals in the world, with red and blue skin on its face and rump.
Is the mandrill endangered?
Yes: the IUCN lists it as Vulnerable. Its biggest threats are habitat destruction (deforestation) and hunting for bushmeat. Its habitat has declined in Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea, and its range is limited in the Republic of the Congo.
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