The mandrill is a large, colourful monkey of the rainforests of west-central Africa. Adult males have vivid red and blue facial markings that signal their status. Mandrills live in huge groups that travel long distances through the forest.
Interesting facts
- The mandrill is the largest monkey in the world.
- Dominant males have the brightest red and blue colours on their faces and rumps.
- Mandrills have large cheek pouches for storing food while foraging.
- Their long canine teeth can be over 6 cm long in males.
- They spend most of their time on the ground, foraging among leaf litter.
- Mandrills are closely related to drills and more distantly to baboons.
Behaviour
Mandrills live in hordes made up of many smaller family units. They forage mainly on the ground by day and sleep in trees at night. Males display by shaking their heads, yawning to show their teeth and slapping the ground.
Breeding and young
Females give birth to a single infant after about six months, usually every two years. Mothers carry their infants and form close bonds with their female relatives.
Threats and conservation
Hunting for bushmeat, especially with snares and guns, and habitat loss from logging and road building.
Where to see it
- Lopé National Park, Gabon
- Moukalaba-Doudou National Park, Gabon
- Loango National Park, Gabon
- Accredited zoos with conservation programmes
Status source: IUCN Red List. Profile last reviewed September 2026.
