Want to see Patas Monkeys in Uganda? Do you have them on your list? Well, it is possible to see them, but it will take some luck because they are not commonly seen.
Visiting Murchison Falls National Park will somehow increase your chances of seeing these primates in Uganda.
Scientifically known as Erythrocebus patas, the Patas Monkey is known to be the fastest running ape, reaching a speed of 56 kilometers per hour. It is the only species listed in the genus Erythrocebus.
These monkeys like living on the ground and avoid large woodlands. They prefer walking in savannah plains and semi-desert areas.
They are found in both East and West Africa. In Uganda, the best place to see them is Murchison Falls National Park. Queen Elizabeth National Park is also said to have a few of them, but sightings there are very rare.
Patas Monkeys have very long tails. They can grow up to 87 centimeters tall, and their tails alone can be 70 centimeters or more of their total body length.
They are omnivores and feed on gum, seeds, tubers, and insects. They are not herbivores like most other apes. This makes them unique in some way.
Patas Monkeys live in groups of 10 to 12 with one alpha male. The male stays with the group most of the time, but during the breeding season, more males join the group because the females need to reproduce.
Juvenile males reach sexual maturity at 4 years. When they reach this age, they leave their birth group and join other male groups. When the breeding season comes, they either return to their natal group or join a new group to reproduce.
If you are looking for a challenge, include this species on your list. You may not see them easily unless you are lucky.
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