Introduction
In a cold day at the Wilhelma Zoo in Stuttgart, Germany, a group of gelada monkeys (Theropithecus gelada) huddled together to keep warm. This species, endemic to Ethiopia's cold Afroalpine and sub-Afroalpine grasslands, is the only primate, apart from humans, that primarily lives on land rather than trees.
Social Behavior
Gelada monkeys spend most of their time grazing grass and have complex social systems focused on vocal communication, hugging, and grooming, especially between females. According to Julie Larsen, Mongabay's photo editor, "On this day, the chill in the air made ideal conditions for a gelada group hug that included some mutual grooming".
"As I looked down on their gathering, the monkey in the middle peered up at me, clearly benefitting from her fortunate position", she added. "Then, the group closed over her, a single blanket of chocolate-colored shaggy fur against the elements".
Physical Characteristics
According to Dario Fraschetti, a scientific assistant at Wilhelma Zoo, animals with short hair, as in the photograph, are likely females. Males have distinctive long manes and a bright red mark on their chests.
Of the 30-40 gelada monkeys that live at the zoo, the vast majority are females, which is similar to their social structure in the wild.
Conservation
The zoo participates in a Europe-wide effort to keep a healthy captive-bred population of the species in partnership with EAZA Ex situ Programme (EEP).
Hugging between females in the wild has been observed to increase between unrelated mothers during the first months of their...
Conclusion
This photograph reminds us of the importance of conserving these incredible species and protecting their natural habitats.
Source / Reference
Article originally published on Mongabay