Geladas are monkeys that are acquired only in Ethiopia’s mountains. They are the most-earthly species in the highlands of the tropics, and it has become unusual for their primate relatives (“WATCH: Spend a Day”). Geladas are also experienced rock-climbers; however, they prefer to sit for a significant part of the day. These animals are grass-eaters, so they collect various herbs and plants to eat. It is interesting to look at these creatures, to examine their appearance, lifestyle, and habits.
These creatures are usually big, long-haired, with a unique pink spot on the chest. For this spot, geladas are often called monkeys with broken or bleeding hearts. Their jaws and teeth are significant in size, probably, because geladas’ mouth was evolutionally adjusted to eating stiff leaves. It is seen from the photo that geladas are large-sized and hairy creatures with massive jaws (“Gelada Baboons Ethiopia”). The photo shows two geladas hugging each other; the attentive viewer might notice a smile in one of the species. Probably, it is a female; it is fascinating how females of animals and humans are similar.
Geladas usually live from 20 to 28 years; their weight constitutes approximately 44 pounds. The height is usually 27 to 30 inches, and female species are smaller than males. Both sexes have long brown fur covering all their bodies, including arms, legs, and tails. They communicate with unique vocal sounds and some gestures. Currently, there is no information about predators threatening geladas, but these are probably leopards. Geladas live in groups; however, these animals travel in several groups at different times or even alone, so group membership is not permanent. These species are not territorial, and it is possible to find concentrations of groups existing together wherever conditions are appropriate and favorable. Only male species may travel outside the group; females are always within the community, taking care of their newborn geladas or preferred mature male. All members groom the group, but, interestingly, the male cannot give attention to many females, so females are “offended,” and the new group unit is formed.
It is also interesting that geladas prefer to sleep on rocky cliffs and stones. In the morning, geladas descend from their sleeping places to approach fields and grasslands (Hiller). Geladas travel and collect various types of grass and leaves during the day and climb mountains at night. The photo shows the species in the highland, and the gelada is probably traveling for some grass to eat (Welch). These creatures live in groups, and usually, geladas-males are polygamous. For instance, an average species family consists of one male gelada and several females.
It is noticeable that these species do not have a certain period of reproduction. However, it was noted that fertility rises in the season of rains. Geladas-females usually give birth to one baby at a time; sometimes, two or more geladas may be born. Female species reach the appropriate maturity at the age of 4-5 years, while males become sexually mature only by 5-7 years and become independent (Hiller). It is also interesting that the female specie takes care of the newborn baby, while the role of the gelada-father is obscure.
Unfortunately, these species are under threat of extinction; for instance, human effects influenced geladas negatively. In the twentieth century, there were about 500,000 gelada species in Ethiopia, particularly in the 1970s (“WATCH: Spend a Day”). However, the impacts of agriculture and manufacturing made these species subject to extinction. Indeed, nowadays, many online platforms are created to help these and other monkey species survive.
Overall, geladas are large-sized monkeys with a massive jaw parts and long brown fur. They live in the high mountains and descend to search for some grass and plants (Caselli et al. 572). Geladas usually exist in group communities; however, male species can travel alone. Geladas are called monkeys with a bleeding heart for their pink spot on the chest. Currently, these creatures are subjected to extinction; however, there is still a chance to help them.
Works Cited
“Gelada Baboons Ethiopia Image | National Geographic Your Shot Photo of the Day.” National Geographic, 2017, Web.
“WATCH: Spend a Day with the World’s Only Grass-Eating Monkeys.” Animals, 2021. Web.
Caselli, Marta, et al. “Wild Geladas (Theropithecus Gelada) in Crops—More than in Pasture Areas—Reduce Aggression and Affiliation.” Primates, vol. 62, no. 4, 2021, pp. 571–84. Crossref.
Hiller, Cortney. “Theropithecus Gelada (Gelada Baboon).” Animal Diversity Web.
Welch, Craig. “Where the World’s Only Grass-Eating Monkeys Thrive.” Magazine, 2021, Web.