Vervet Monkey
The vervet monkey (Chlorocebus pygerythrus) is a species of Old World monkeys widespread in eastern and southern Africa, including the Eastern Cape in South Africa. Vervet monkeys are known for their grey-furred bodies, black faces, and distinctive white-fringed eyes. They are social animals, living in large groups with complex social structures. Adult males can weigh up to 8 kg, while females typically weigh around 5 kg. Their diet primarily consists of fruits, leaves, flowers, and small animals.
Nickname: "Blue Balls Monkey"
An intriguing and somewhat humorous aspect of the vervet monkeys is their nickname "Blue Balls Monkey." This name arises from the adult males, who display a striking blue coloration on their testicles. This unusual feature plays a significant role in their social structure and mating rituals, adding an extra layer to their fascinating biology and behavior.
Hunting Vervet Monkeys
Hunting vervet monkeys requires both patience and precision. These animals are incredibly alert and possess a quick flight response, making them a challenging target for hunters. Hunting typically takes place in the early morning or late afternoons when the monkeys are most active. A good camouflage and the ability to move quietly through the terrain are crucial to avoid detection. Using binoculars to observe and identify potential targets from a distance is highly recommended.
Optimal Shot Placement
To ensure a humane and swift harvest of vervet monkeys, it is essential to aim for the head or heart/lungs. A headshot provides the quickest and most assured take-down, while shots to the heart and lungs ensure a fatal outcome if a headshot is not feasible. Due to the small size of these animals, accuracy is paramount.
Optimal Rifle for the Hunt
The ideal rifle for hunting vervet monkeys is a light-caliber rifle, such as a .22 LR or similar. It is crucial to select a rifle with high precision and low recoil to ensure accurate shots. Quality scope sights are also an important part of the equipment, enabling precise targeting of smaller targets at longer ranges.
Facts - Vervet Monkey
NAME: VERVET MONKEY
SCIENTIFIC NAME: CHLOROCEBUS PYGERYTHRUS
WEIGHT MALE: 3,9-8,0 KG
WEIGHT FEMALE: 3,4-5,3 KG
MATING SEASON: THROUGHOUT THE YEAR