Source: GBIF
A language of its own
Geladas 'lip-smack' in rhythmic bursts that echo the cadence of human speech, one of the closest vocal parallels to language in another primate.
Gelada
Abundant but range-restricted · Ethiopia only
Species Details
The world's only grass-grazing primate, a stocky Old World monkey with a shaggy cape and a bare, hourglass patch of red skin on its chest that brightens with status. Males reach 20 kg.
Behaviour
Forms some of the largest societies on Earth, bands that merge into herds of over 1,000, coordinated by a rich, almost speech-like vocal repertoire.
Diet
Up to 90% grass blades and roots, cropped by hand while shuffling across the meadow on its haunches, a feeding style unique among primates.
Range
Endemic to the Ethiopian Highlands, 1,800 to 4,400 m. Sleeps on sheer cliff ledges, safe from predators, and climbs to graze by day.
Ecological Role
Constant grazing and digging shape the highland turf; troops are a keystone presence of the Simien and Guassa plateaus.
Open Afromontane meadow above the treeline, with sheer escarpment ledges for safe sleeping. 1,800 to 4,400 m, Ethiopia only.