At a Glance
Southern Patas Monkeys are the fastest monkeys on Earth, reaching about 35 km/h. They only live in the Western Serengeti and scientists are still learning about the species’ behavior, and ecology. Primatologists had thought that the Southern Patas Monkey was a subspecies of the Patas Monkey, but in 2021 research revealed that it was a completely separate species.
Southern Patas Monkeys rely heavily on Whistling Thorn Acacia trees, feeding on gum and even the Crematogaster ants living in the thorns.
The acacia tree habitat that the Southern Patas Monkey relies on is being destroyed for agriculture, including crops and cattle. Southern Patas Monkeys are also hunted for bushmeat and their pelts are used in traditional ceremonies. The monkeys are also killed by domestic dogs and by humans when the monkeys raid crop fields. The species used to range widely through Tanzania and Kenya, but now its range is about 85% smaller than during the early 20th century.
There were no documented sightings of any Southern Patas Monkeys from 2023 and 2024, prompting primatologists to include it on a list of the world’s 25 most endangered primates. However, the species had a documented sighting again in 2025.
At a glance
Taxa
Mammals
Geography
Tanzania
Status
Critically Endangered
Habitat
Acacia savannah
Estimated Population
Fewer than 200
Threats
Hunting, agriculture, charcoal production, fires
Potential Recovery Actions
24-hour surveillance; law enforcement; drone monitoring; habitat enrichment; community education; possible in situ breeding
