It’s always special to watch monkeys in action and this memorable sighting of vervet monkeys filmed by Hannes van Heerden in the Pumba Private Game Reserve is no exception.
What made the moment extra special was the inclusion of a bushbuck in the action. The timid antelope stood perfectly still, while the busy troop of vervet monkeys gathered around her, and gave her glossy coat a special cleaning.
Vervet monkeys gather around bushbuck
Grooming among vervet monkeys is a vital social behaviour used to reinforce bonds, reduce stress, and maintain hygiene.
Usually these monkeys keep their grooming behaviour between themselves, however, on rare occasions they do extend this courtesy to other animals.
These vervet monkeys had gathered around an unassuming bushbuck. They decided to give the buck a ‘vervet monkey makeover’.
On the rare occasion a vervet monkey grooms a buck, it’s usually a gentle and curious activity. These vervet monkeys plucked at loose fur, debris, and parasites as is grooming procedure for the species.
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The bushbuck is a naturally shy antelope, however, it remained calm and trusting allowing the interaction to occur. Its calm demeanor in spite of the busy intrusion of the monkeys was in itself miraculous.
Bushbuck remains still while grooming gets underway
The bushbuck’s decision to remain still and not to run away made this a rare sighting.
The monkeys presented a comical picture as they insisted in adopting the buck as one of their own for that moment. Together they took the animal through the grooming routine.
The buck remained steady and straight-faced. It did nothing to retaliate against the monkey troop and seemed perfectly content for them to continue with the grooming.
Social antics of vervet monkeys on full display
Vervet monkeys are highly social primates which live in structured groups called troops. While this troop was fairly small, troops can range from a few individuals to over 30 members.
The troops are usually composed of related females, their offspring, and a few adult males. Female vervet monkeys remain in their birth groups for life, while males leave the troop upon reaching maturity to join new groups, which helps prevent inbreeding.
The social hierarchy within the troop is well-established, especially among females, with rank often passed from mother to daughter. Grooming plays a crucial role in maintaining social bonds and resolving conflict within the group.
These monkeys are also known for their complex vocal communication and they are highly intelligent, manipulating objects to solve problems, especially in human-altered environments.
Shy buck left just that much cleaner
They successfully won the trust of the buck, and also left the shy bushbuck just that much cleaner than before!
For Hannes, the sighting provided an amusing glimpse into the social, comical behaviour of the monkey species. He was quick to send the clipping in to Latest Sightings believing everyone should witness the rare grooming party, where a buck for a moment joined the inner circle of a troop of vervet monkeys.
