Regular contributor Mark Fox submitted this video to Latest Sightings. He filmed it while conducting a game drive of the H4-2 near Crocodile Bridge Camp in the Kruger National Park.
Alpha male
When Mark came across a troop of vervet monkeys walking down the road towards him, he stopped to observe their behaviour. It soon became evident that the monkeys were on the alert.
As the video commences, we see one of the monkeys standing up on his hind legs. It is a mature male, as shown by its enlarged, turquoise-blue scrotum.
The male is possibly the troop’s alpha male. As such, he is largely responsible for keeping the troop safe.
On the alert
As we continue to watch, a second monkey, this time a female, rises onto its hind legs.
These two monkeys are clearly on the alert as they scan the surrounding area for potential threats. By rising onto their hind legs, they are able to see over the long grass alongside the road.
Walking monkey
Despite its best efforts, the standing monkeys seem unable to determine what it is that has drawn their attention. Subsequently, one of them starts walking on its hind legs for a better look.
As can be seen, it uses its tail to assist its balance while walking in this fashion.
Meanwhile, we can hear Mark telling his guests about an unseen newborn impala calf and his belief that there is a predator nearby.
On all fours
Still unable to clearly see what it is looking at, the monkey settles onto all fours and walks down the road towards Mark. This is a vervet monkey’s more typical method of walking.
However, after walking a short distance, it again rises onto its hind legs and looks intently towards the perceived threat.
Drunken monkey
Still unable to see anything, the monkey then seems to drunkenly stumble sideways as it tries to get a better vantage point.
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However, it still can’t confirm any threat. The chances are that if there were a known threat, the monkey would start making its distinct chattering alarm call.
But, in the wild, it is better to be safe than sorry, so the monkey’s attention remains focused. As the video draws to its conclusion, we see the monkey crossing the road towards the area of interest.
Unfortunately, though, the video concludes before we get a definitive answer explaining what had attracted their curiosity.
Vervet monkeys
These monkeys are easily recognisable by their grey coats and hairless black faces. They live in large social groups ranging in size from 10 to 50 individuals.
Adult males are significantly larger than females. While the troops’ alpha male sits at the top of the social hierarchy, there are also distinct male and female hierarchies.
The bulk of the troop is made up of adult females and their juvenile offspring. When young males reach puberty, they leave their natal troop to join a neighbouring group.
Interestingly, these youngsters generally migrate in groups of two or more. This is supposedly to reduce the chances of being bullied as they attempt to integrate with their new troop.