The Dwarf Vervet: Characteristics And Habitat
The dwarf vervet is a species of primate whose biology and characteristics are little known ; however, he is a victim of illegal animal trafficking to Europe.
Let’s see together the dwarf vervet : characteristics and habitat.
Characteristics of the dwarf vervet
The name dwarf vervet defines two primates of the genus Miopithecus that live in central Africa: the dwarf vervet of Angola and that of Gabon. Both are characterized by small dimensions, with a weight that fluctuates between the kilo or even less and that does not exceed 40 centimeters in length.
These characteristics make it the smallest African primate, although some monkey species found in South America, such as the marmoset, are even smaller in size. Let’s discover together the characteristics and habitat of the dwarf vervet.
Its appearance is somewhat reminiscent of the green monkey, although it is much smaller, as the green monkey can weigh between six and eight times more than this African primate. Both possess coat fur with greenish reflections, especially in the back and head area.
Like most of these monkeys, the southern dwarf vervet has a very recognizable face, with a rich facial expressiveness, so much so that each specimen can be distinguished.
The dwarf vervet pup is born after a gestation period of five months, and will be able to eat solid food in just six weeks.
The birth of a single puppy is normal in primates, and is accompanied by very special care from the mother compared to other animals. At three months, puppies already possess a very high level of independence. They can live between 20 and 30 years, especially in captivity.
Behavior of the dwarf vervet
The dwarf vervet lives in large groups of over 100 specimens, and although it usually prefers to sleep in the trees where these large congregations gather, during the day and to get food, they divide into small groups, thus preventing conflicts over the food.
The groups consist of numerous males and females with their young. Dwarf monkeys are not territorial animals and possess a large vocal repertoire, although less rich than the animal communication of other monkeys.
Although strongly related to trees, the Angolan dwarf vervet appears to move more on the ground than its Gabonese relative, possibly due to the difference in resources found in their natural habitats.
Habitat
The dwarf vervet is a primate closely related to trees. Furthermore, it is a diurnal animal found only in the densest forests. Interestingly, it is one of the few primates that doesn’t mind jumping into the water too much, and has even been seen swimming in search of food.
Therefore, this primate usually lives in areas around lakes or rivers. In the case of the northern Gabon monkey, this animal inhabits the coastal areas of Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The dwarf vervet lives in miombo forests. Miombo is a type of wooded savannah found mainly in the southern cone of Africa; it is a drier area than the northern vervet habitat. In particular, the Angolan vervet lives south of the Congo River, between the republic of the same name and Angola.
Although none of the variants of the dwarf vervet are at risk of extinction, this species is the subject of a worrying illegal trafficking of animals, from which it is difficult to protect it. Due to its small size, it is captured to be brought to Europe and used as a pet.
Primates that inhabit central Africa are particularly dangerous: they live in areas where many serious zoonoses for humans are widespread, which are not diagnosed in animals arriving in Europe illegally.
