Common Patas Monkey

Africa · speed champion · ground-dwelling · grasslands

Super speedy sprinters. Patas monkeys are the fastest primates on Earth, reaching speeds up to 35 miles per hour when running across the savanna. They've traded climbing for sprinting to survive in open grasslands where there aren't many trees to hide in.

Desert and dry lands. These monkeys live in the semi-arid regions of West and East Africa where grass is sparse and bushes are scattered. They're perfectly adapted to hot, dry places that would be tough for most other primates.

Teamwork for survival. Patas monkeys live in groups where they work together to spot danger from far away. When a predator appears, they scatter in different directions to confuse it, then regroup once they're safe.

Escape artists. Unlike tree-dwelling monkeys that can swing to safety, patas monkeys escape predators like lions and wild dogs by simply running away at incredible speed. Their long legs and lean bodies make them built for distance running.

Ground food hunters. Patas monkeys forage on the ground for seeds, leaves, insects, and small animals, unlike most monkeys that prefer feeding in trees. This ground-level lifestyle is unusual for primates.