Family Cercopithecidae Higher classification Old World monkey | Phylum Chordata Scientific name Cercopithecinae | |
 | ||
Subfamily CercopithecinaeGray, 1821 Lifespan Mandrill: 20 years, Japanese macaque: 6 years, Lion-tailed macaque: 20 years, Guinea baboon: 35 – 45 years Height Mandrill: 55 – 65 cm, Japanese macaque: 57 cm, Olive baboon: 70 cm Mass Rhesus macaque: 7.7 kg, Mandrill: 19 – 37 kg Lower classifications Macaque, Baboon, Guenon, Mandrill, Vervet monkey | ||
The Cercopithecinae are a subfamily of the Old World monkeys, which comprises roughly 71 species, including the baboons, the macaques, and the vervet monkeys. Most cercopithecine monkeys are limited to sub-Saharan Africa, although the macaques range from the far eastern parts of Asia through northern Africa, as well as on Gibraltar.
Contents
Characteristics
The various species are adapted to the different terrains they inhabit. Arboreal species are slim, delicate, and have a long tail, while terrestrial species are stockier and their tails can be small or completely nonexistent. All species have well-developed thumbs. Some species have ischial callosities, which can change their colour during their mating periods.
These monkeys are diurnal and live together in social groups. They live in all types of terrain and climate, from cool mountains to rain forests, savannah, bald rocky areas, or even snowy mountains, such as the Japanese macaque.
Most species are omnivorous, with diets ranging from fruits, leaves, seeds, buds, and mushrooms to insects, spiders, and smaller vertebrates. All species possess cheek pouches in which they can store food.
Gestation lasts around six to seven months. Young are weaned after three to 12 months and are fully mature within three to five years. The life expectancy of some species can be as long as 50 years.
Classification
The Cercopithinae are often split into two tribes, Cercopithecini and Papionini, as shown in the list of genera below.