The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Science & Nature›Animal›Mandrill
Science & Nature • Animal

Mandrill

The mandrill (*Mandrillus sphinx*) is a large Old World monkey native to west-central Africa.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The mandrill (*Mandrillus sphinx*) is a large Old World monkey native to west-central Africa. It is known for its brightly coloured red and blue facial skin, strong sexual dimorphism, and mostly ground-dwelling rainforest habits. The species is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN.

Taxonomy

The mandrill is an Old World monkey in the family Cercopithecidae. It is classified in the genus *Mandrillus* together with the drill.

Appearance

Mandrills are best known for the male’s brightly coloured face and rump, with red and blue skin markings. The species is strongly sexually dimorphic, with males larger and more colourful than females.

Distribution and habitat

Mandrills occur in west-central Africa, with populations in countries including Gabon, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, and the Republic of the Congo. They live in dense tropical rainforest and may also use adjacent woodland or savannah edges.

Behaviour and diet

Mandrills are primarily ground-dwelling but can climb trees, especially females and young. They are omnivorous, feeding on fruit, seeds, roots, insects, and other small animals.

Conservation

The mandrill is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Main threats include habitat loss from agriculture and settlement, along with hunting.

Key facts

  • Mandrills are among the largest monkeys and are widely noted for their vivid facial colouring.
  • Males are much larger and more brightly coloured than females.
  • They are native to west-central Africa, especially countries such as Gabon, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, and the Republic of the Congo.
  • Mandrills live mainly in rainforest habitats and spend much of their time on the ground.
  • The species is threatened by habitat loss and hunting.
🍁
Canadian context

Mandrills are of interest to Canadian zoo visitors, wildlife educators, and conservation readers; they are commonly featured in Canadian zoo animal collections and educational materials about primates and tropical biodiversity.

Frequently asked questions

What is a mandrill?
A mandrill is a large Old World monkey native to west-central Africa, scientifically named *Mandrillus sphinx*.
Where do mandrills live?
Mandrills live in tropical rainforests of west-central Africa, including parts of Gabon, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, and the Republic of the Congo.
Why are mandrills so colourful?
Males have vivid red and blue facial and rump skin, which is one of the species’ most distinctive traits.
Are mandrills baboons?
Mandrills resemble baboons, but they are classified in a separate genus, *Mandrillus*.
What do mandrills eat?
Mandrills are omnivores that eat fruit, seeds, roots, insects, and other small animals.
Are mandrills endangered?
They are currently listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN, meaning they face a high risk of becoming endangered in the wild.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/animal/mandrill
    Supports: Taxonomy, habitat, and general description.
  2. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance — https://animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/mandrill
    Supports: Classification, size, appearance, and conservation status.
  3. National Geographic — https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/facts/mandrill
    Supports: Common name, scientific name, range, lifespan, size, and conservation threats.
  4. Encyclopedia.com — https://www.encyclopedia.com/plants-and-animals/animals/vertebrate-zoology/mandrill
    Supports: Family, order, habitat, and conservation status.
  5. Animal Diversity Web — https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Mandrillus_sphinx/
    Supports: Range, diet, and natural history.