Monkeys are present in South Africa, which hosts several distinct primate populations belonging to the family Cercopithecidae (Old World monkeys). The country’s diverse biomes, ranging from dense coastal forests to expansive savannas, support these species. While various primates live here, the public typically refers to only two as true monkeys: the widely distributed Vervet monkey and the more specialized Samango monkey.
The Primary Monkey Species of South Africa
The most commonly encountered species is the Vervet monkey, Chlorocebus pygerythrus, recognizable by its grizzled silvery-grey body and a distinct black face framed by a white fringe of hair. These medium-sized primates are highly social, living in troops that can number between 10 and 70 individuals. Males are slightly larger than females, weighing between 3.9 and 8.0 kilograms, and they possess a striking turquoise-blue scrotum and red penis.
The Samango monkey, Cercopithecus mitis, is notably larger and darker than the Vervet. Males can weigh up to 9 kilograms, and the species is distinguished by its shaggier, dark grey to black fur and a conspicuous pale-colored collar. Samangos typically live in smaller, single-male harem groups, consisting of one dominant male, several related females, and their offspring. Their diet is primarily frugivorous, though they also consume leaves, flowers, and insects.
Baboons, specifically the Chacma baboon (Papio ursinus), are scientifically classified as Old World monkeys. Due to their large size, distinct dog-like muzzles, and terrestrial behavior, they are often categorized separately in common conversation. The Chacma baboon is one of the largest monkey species globally.
Ecological Habitats and Geographic Range
The Vervet monkey is highly adaptable and widespread, thriving in a variety of environments, including savanna, riverine woodlands, and mountainous areas. Their tolerance for human activity allows them to be found in all nine provinces, including urban and suburban fringes where they exploit human-modified landscapes.
In contrast, the Samango monkey is restricted almost exclusively to high-canopy, indigenous evergreen forests. Because of this dependence, their population distribution is fragmented and limited to the country’s small forest biomes. Samangos are typically found in the coastal forests of KwaZulu-Natal, north of the St Lucia estuary, and in the Afro-montane forests stretching through Mpumalanga and down into the Eastern Cape near Knysna.
This species is considered a poor disperser. Their restricted distribution is directly linked to the rarity of the indigenous forest biome, which makes up less than one percent of South Africa’s surface area. The Samango’s survival is dependent on the preservation of these isolated, high-quality forest ecosystems.
Human Interactions and Conservation
The overlap between monkey habitats and human settlements leads to conflict, particularly with the adaptable Vervet monkey. These primates are known for raiding crops in agricultural areas and becoming a nuisance in suburban environments by scavenging from garbage bins and entering homes. Their adaptability, while allowing them to thrive, has caused them to be actively persecuted in parts of KwaZulu-Natal and the North West Province, where they are sometimes classed as vermin.
Despite these conflicts, the Vervet monkey is listed as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) because of its extensive range and population stability. Conservation efforts to manage human-Vervet conflict often focus on community education and anti-feeding ordinances to reduce the monkeys’ reliance on human food sources. Road fatalities are also a common cause of death, particularly in urbanized areas.
The Samango monkey faces a more precarious situation, with certain subspecies, such as Cercopithecus mitis labiatus, listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. This vulnerability is primarily driven by habitat loss and fragmentation due to commercial forestry and urbanization, which isolate their populations. However, these monkeys play a positive role in their ecosystems as seed dispersers, aiding forest regeneration. Local management efforts for the Samango focus on expanding protected areas and establishing forest corridors to connect fragmented populations.