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Mandrill Image by Foto Rabe, 2015 |
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| Mandrills (Mandrillus sphinx) are distinctive primates native to the dense rainforests of equatorial Africa, known for their vividly coloured faces and robust physiques. As the largest species of monkey, males sport vibrant blue and red facial markings that intensify during periods of excitement or dominance displays, while females and juveniles exhibit more subdued colouration. Living in complex social groups led by a dominant male, mandrills rely on vocalisations, facial expressions, and grooming behaviours to maintain cohesion and communicate within their troop. Their omnivorous diet consists of fruits, seeds, insects, and occasionally small vertebrates, contributing to their role in forest ecosystems as seed dispersers. |
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