The Monkey with a Bright Blue Bottom

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The mandrill lives in west-central Africa, including southern Cameroon, mainland Equatorial Guinea ( Río Muni), Gabon and parts of the Republic of the Congo. Its range is bounded by the Sanaga River to the north and the Ogooué and Ivindo Rivers to the east. It does not appear to share habitat with the drill, as the two species are separated by the Sanaga River. [35] Mandrills live in tropical rainforests, generally preferring primary forests over secondary forests. They also live in patchy gallery forests surrounded by savanna and travel across grass areas within their forest habitats. [36] They have also been recorded in mountainous areas, near rivers and in cultivated fields. [37]

Researchers remain intrigued by this species’ eyes that strongly resemble its human cousins. Some primatologists speculate that this primate’s blue bottom is also valuable for attracting mates. However, the exact reason for the blue butt is still unknown. Nevertheless, the lesula is a fascinating new monkey species that will continue generating interest and excitement among scientists and laypeople. Blue-Butt Vervet Monkey In contrast, the blue photons take very short steps in between their scattering events, and they don’t penetrate very deep. They do not make it past Tissue A before they emerge and hit your eye. Lesula is an Old World monkey species living in the Congo‘s Lomami Basin. This monkey has startlingly characteristic human-like eyes and a blue bottom. Though the international scientific community was unaware of its existence until 2007, the local population was aware of its presence for some time. A baboon’s butt tissue is arranged somewhat like the illustration above so that blue photons are reflected and all of the other photons (like the red ones) are absorbed. Only the blue light makes it out and gets into our eyes. This is why we see we see blue monkey butts!As of 2019, the IUCN Red List lists the mandrill as vulnerable. Its total population is unknown but is suspected to have decreased by more than 30 percent over the last 24 years. Its main threats are habitat destruction and hunting for bushmeat. [1] The mandrill appears to have suffered massive habitat loss in Equatorial Guinea and southern Cameroon, while its range in the Republic of the Congo is limited and its status is unknown. [79] In addition, while mandrills live in groups numbering in the hundreds, hunting in Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea appears to have led to smaller group sizes. [1] Gabon is seen as the most important remaining refuge for the species, and the country's low population density and vast rainforests make it a good candidate for mandrill conservation. Surveys have shown high population numbers for other primate species like chimpanzees and gorillas. A semi-wild population exists at the International Centre of Medical Research of Franceville. [80] a b Telfer, P. T.; Souquière, S.; Clifford, S. L.; etal. (2003). "Molecular evidence for deep phylogenetic divergence in Mandrillus sphinx". Molecular Ecology. 12 (7): 2019–2024. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-294x.2003.01877.x. PMID 12803651. S2CID 11511844. And if we’re finding new species of primates, then who knows how many new species of small mammals or lizards or insects, just to name a few, might be out there. There’s certainly a lot of undiscovered biodiversity in this region.”

Some authorities have divided mandrill populations into subspecies: the northern mandrill ( M. s. sphinx) and the southern mandrill ( M. s. madarogaster). A proposed third subspecies, M. s. insularis, was based on the mistaken belief that mandrills are present on Bioko Island. [14] [15] The consensus is that mandrills belong to one subspecies ( M. s. sphinx). [16] Schino, G.; De Angelis, F. (2020). "Conflict over grooming topography between mandrill groomers and groomees". Behavioural Processes. 180: 104240. doi: 10.1016/j.beproc.2020.104240. PMID 32905823. S2CID 221501684.

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So, there you have it – in the blue butt monkey vs red butt monkey scenario, you decide on the winner. If there is a winner in this comparison, that is! Next Up – More Monkey-Related Blogs

a b Yorzinski, J. L.; Vehrencamp, S. L. (2008). "Preliminary report: antipredator behaviors of mandrills" (PDF). Primate Report. 75: 11–18. Monkeys, like many primates, use sexual swellings to indicate fertility. The increased hormonal activity around the genitals during ovulation causes the skin to turn pink, a phenomenon known as tumescence. The Science Behind The Monkey Butt Vibrant Coloration? Through the Harts, the Peabody has acquired several Lesula specimens that were essential for the genetic and anatomical studies, says Sargis, who also is curator of the Peabody’s mammalogy collections. All specimens were collected after death, either at the hands of local hunters or, in one case, by crowned eagles.The challenge now is to make the Lesula an iconic species that carries the message for conservation for all of Congo’s endangered fauna,” says John Hart. This is not intended to be a full statement of all your rights under the Distance Selling Regulations. Full details of your rights under the Distance Selling Regulations are available in the UK from your local Citizens' Advice Bureau or your Local Authority's Trading Standards Office.

Pourquoi stories” are ones which give explanations for the origins of animals, and also some of their characteristics. They are present in many different cultures, and are often now told to entertain. This one fits the bill perfectly. Just why is it that some monkeys have startlingly coloured faces - and rear ends? This book offers an explanation why. Mandrills mainly live in tropical rainforests but will also travel across savannas. They are active during the day and spend most of their time on the ground. Their preferred foods are fruit and seeds, but mandrills will consume leaves, piths, mushrooms, and animals from insects to juvenile antelope. Mandrills live in large, stable groups known as "hordes" which can number in the hundreds. Females form the core of these groups, while adult males are solitary and only reunite with the larger groups during the breeding season. Dominant males have the most vibrant colors and fattest flanks and rumps, and have the most success siring young.

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Yes, the Lesula monkey, found in Sub-Saharan Africa, has a bright blue-white colored bottom. Male mandrills also have a blue color included in their multicolored butts. Why are Mandrill Butts Blue? This is an engagingly cheeky picture book, which will make young children laugh out loud, as soon as they spot the cover. In fact The Monkey with a Bright Blue Bottom by Steve Smallman is a pourquoi story like the famous “Just So Stories”, by Rudyard Kipling, but with a difference: In the battle between blue butt monkeys vs red butt monkeys, the Celebes crested macaque must be by far the ugliest.