GELADA
Theropithecus gelada
DESCRIPTION
The Gelada is a unique primate species native to the Ethiopian Highlands, known for its distinctive red chest patch and social behavior. They are often referred to as 'bleeding-heart baboons' due to this feature.
FUN FACTS
- Geladas are the only primates that primarily graze on grass | They have a unique social structure with a strong emphasis on grooming | Geladas can be found at elevations of up to 4,500 meters
QUICK INFO
Lifespan20-30 years in the wild, up to 40 in captivity
Average Weight30-50 kg
Average Length0.6-1.2 m
Diet TypeHerbivore
Social Structuregroup — they live in large, multi-male, multi-female groups with a clear hierarchy.
Activity PatternDiurnal
Breeding SeasonYear-round
- Habitat
- Geladas inhabit high-altitude grasslands and open savannas, often found in rocky terrains. They prefer areas with abundant grass cover for foraging.
- Biomes
- Grassland, Savanna
- Native Range
- Geladas are endemic to the Ethiopian Highlands, primarily found in the Simien Mountains and surrounding areas.
- Continent
- Africa
- Countries
- Ethiopia
- Diet
- Geladas primarily feed on grasses and herbs, using their specialized teeth to graze. They are known to consume a variety of plant materials, including seeds and roots.
- Diet Type
- Herbivore
- Favorite Food
- grasses
- Social Structure
- group — they live in large, multi-male, multi-female groups with a clear hierarchy.
- Activity Pattern
- Diurnal
- Group Size
- 20-100
- Territorial
- 0
LC
VU
30-50 kg
Weight
0.6-1.2 m
Length
- Coloration
- Geladas have a shaggy brownish coat with a distinctive red patch on their chest.
- Sexual Dimorphism
- Males are larger and have more pronounced chest patches than females.
- Lifespan
- 20-30 years in the wild, up to 40 in captivity
- Gestation Period
- 180 days
- Offspring per Birth
- 1
- Sexual Maturity
- 4-5 years
- Breeding Season
- Year-round
LC
Least Concern
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The population is currently stable but faces habitat loss.
- Wild Population Estimate
- 100,000-200,000
- Population Trend
- Stable
- Endangered
- 0
- Threats
- Main threats include habitat destruction due to agriculture and grazing. Climate change also poses a risk to their high-altitude habitat.
- Predators
- Wolves, leopards
- Defense Mechanisms
- Geladas use vocalizations and social displays to warn off predators.
- Found in Zoos
- Uncommon