DRILL
Mandrillus leucophaeus
DESCRIPTION
The Drill (Mandrillus leucophaeus) is a large primate closely related to the baboon and mandrill. It is characterized by its robust body, distinctive facial coloration, and social behavior.
FUN FACTS
- Drills are one of the most endangered primates in Africa | They are known for their unique social structures and behaviors | Drills can be quite agile and are excellent climbers
QUICK INFO
Lifespan20-25 years in the wild, up to 30 in captivity
Average Weight40-50 kg
Average Length0.7-1.0 m
Diet TypeOmnivore
Social Structuregroup — they live in multi-male, multi-female groups with a dominant male.
Activity PatternDiurnal
Breeding SeasonYear-round
- Habitat
- Drills inhabit dense tropical rainforests and secondary forests. They prefer areas with abundant vegetation for foraging and nesting.
- Biomes
- Tropical Rainforest
- Native Range
- The native range of the Drill is limited to the rainforests of western and central Africa.
- Continent
- Africa
- Countries
- Nigeria, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon
- Diet
- Drills are omnivorous, primarily feeding on fruits, leaves, seeds, and occasionally small animals. They have a varied diet that reflects their adaptability to different environments.
- Diet Type
- Omnivore
- Favorite Food
- fruits, leaves
- Social Structure
- group — they live in multi-male, multi-female groups with a dominant male.
- Activity Pattern
- Diurnal
- Group Size
- 10-30
- Territorial
- 0
VU
VU
40-50 kg
Weight
0.7-1.0 m
Length
- Coloration
- Drills have a dark brown to grayish coat with distinctive facial markings, including bright blue and red skin on the face.
- Sexual Dimorphism
- Males are larger and more colorful than females.
- Lifespan
- 20-25 years in the wild, up to 30 in captivity
- Gestation Period
- 170 days
- Offspring per Birth
- 1
- Sexual Maturity
- 4-5 years
- Breeding Season
- Year-round
EN
Endangered
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The Drill population is currently declining due to habitat loss and hunting.
- Wild Population Estimate
- 10,000-15,000
- Population Trend
- Decreasing
- Endangered
- 1
- Threats
- Main threats include habitat destruction due to logging and agriculture, as well as hunting for bushmeat.
- Predators
- Leopards, large birds of prey
- Defense Mechanisms
- Drills use vocalizations and group cohesion to deter predators.
- Found in Zoos
- Uncommon