Monkey Species · Ethiopian highlands
Gelada
The gelada (Theropithecus gelada) is a large Old World monkey of the Ethiopian highlands and the world's only primate that grazes mainly on grass.
By the WARN Research & Conservation TeamChecked against IUCN Red List & CITES sourcesLast updated
In brief
The gelada (Theropithecus gelada) is a large Old World monkey of the Ethiopian highlands and the world's only primate that grazes mainly on grass. Males show a bright 'bleeding-heart' chest patch, and the species is listed Least Concern by the IUCN.
Gelada: At a Glance
| Origin | Ethiopian highlands |
|---|---|
| Size | Large (males ~18–20 kg; females ~11 kg) |
| Typical weight | Males ~18–20 kg; females ~11 kg |
| Lifespan | 15–30 years (wild) |
| Coat & markings | Brown coat with a cape in males; bare red hourglass chest patch |
| Temperament | Grass-grazing, highly social, terrestrial |
| Conservation note | Least Concern (IUCN); CITES Appendix II — high-altitude grazers threatened locally by farming and habitat loss |
History & Origins
Geladas live at high altitude in the Ethiopian highlands, sleeping on cliff ledges and spending the day grazing on grass blades, roots and seeds — unique among primates. They gather in some of the largest assemblies of any primate, occasionally hundreds strong. The hourglass chest patch signals status and condition. Habitat loss to farming is the main pressure.
Gelada Fun Facts
- The gelada is the only primate that lives mainly by grazing grass.
- Males have a bare red 'bleeding-heart' patch on the chest.
- They gather in some of the largest assemblies of any primate.
- They sleep on steep cliff ledges out of reach of predators.
Gelada Common Health Issues
Conditions seen more often in this breed, and how owners and vets help manage them. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice — always speak to your vet.
Habitat loss (wild)
Deforestation for agriculture, logging and development removes the food trees and connected canopy that wild monkeys depend on.
Care: Support habitat protection and deforestation-free supply chains in range countries rather than wildlife tourism that disturbs troops.
Human-wildlife conflict
Crop raiding and scavenging near settlements lead to retaliatory killing, trapping, electrocution and vehicle strikes.
Care: Support coexistence programmes, secure waste and crops, and never feed wild troops — feeding worsens conflict.
Habitat fragmentation
Roads, farmland and settlements break continuous forest into isolated patches, cutting off troops and reducing genetic diversity.
Care: Support corridor restoration and canopy bridges that reconnect fragmented forest.
Monkeys belong in the wild
Monkeys are intelligent, social primates — not pets. The illegal pet trade and habitat loss threaten species from marmosets to macaques. WARN funds anti-trafficking and habitat work for primates in our partner countries.
