Gelada Baboon: Africa's Bleeding Heart Monkey

By: EjazUlHaqBhat

Image: Pexels

The "bleeding heart monkey," also known as the gelada baboon, is a unique species of Old World monkey

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The monkey is found only in the Ethiopian Highlands, living at elevations between 1,800 and 4,400 meters

Image: Pexels

They are characterised by a distinct hourglass-shaped, reddish patch of skin on their chests, which is more pronounced in males

Image: Pexels

Geladas are primarily grazers, spending most of their time on the ground and foraging for grasses

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They are also known for their large canines and social structure, living in bands of one dominant male and a group of females

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Geladas have a hairless face with a short muzzle, dark eyes, and pale eyelids

Image: Pexels

They have a thick, coarse coat of buff to dark brown hair

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They have well-developed, reinforced buttocks called ischial callosities that help them sit comfortably while grazing

Image: Pexels

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