Shameless little thieves

What a picture of innocence. Well don't believe it for one second.

These vervet monkeys were snuggling for warmth on a cool day, at the same time trying to look cute while begging for food. The temptation to give in to them was strong, but we did not give in.

They are shameless beggars and also inveterate thieves. As we did not feed them, they helped themselves to our hotcross buns, in a daring hit and run snatch, with four of us sitting around the table.

V for Vervet Monkey

Unfortunately the Vervet Monkeys I recently photographed were not very cooperative so the quality is not the best, but I am sure you will get the picture.

Vervet monkeys are found throughout the country. Their preferred habitat is acacia woodland along streams, rivers and lakes. They can be very entertaining to watch as they are always on the go and very family oriented






They are diurnal, sleeping and eating in trees from which they seldom venture. When they do, they rarely venture more than 500 yards from the trees, since they are vulnerable to a variety of predators.





They seem to possess what can be called the "rudiments of language". Vervet Monkey alarm calls vary greatly depending on the different types of threats to the community. There are distinct calls to warn of invading leopards, snakes, and eagles.



In South Africa we often refer to a particular shade of blue as, "monkey ball blue". No prizes for guessing why.




Vervets are also very athletic. This guy was demonstrating his tight rope walking skills on a telephone line outside Port Elizabeth.




The mainly vegetarian diet is supplemented with insects, eggs, baby birds and sometimes rodents and hares. Vervets can become terrible pests, when living around human habitaion often raiding gardens and kitchens for whatever suits their pallets.