Regular Latest Sightings contributor, Mark Fox, sent us this video, which he recorded in the Kruger National Park, South Africa
Summer fun
Summertime is a lovely time to visit the Kruger National Park. The vegetation is lush, and various species give birth to their young.
And it is at a time like this that we join the action in Mark’s video. On the side of the road, a group of impala lambs, known as a nursery herd, has come across a troop of vervet monkeys.
Among the monkeys, there are several youngsters. This may very well be the first time the young of the two species have met.
As we watch, one of the young monkeys is chasing a lamb, while their respective kin look on. There is nothing sinister about it. The behaviour is playful and curious, with no harm meant.
Peaceful coexistence
Slender and delicate creatures, impalas are naturally timid. Nevertheless, the lambs feel safe enough in their little herd and tentatively approach the monkeys for a closer look.
Of course, they have nothing to fear from the monkeys. The two species actually coexist quite peacefully, a relationship that has benefits for both.
Among the perks of living in harmony is that they look out for one another. The monkeys post sentries, and when threats are spotted, their alarm calls are a warning to all, impalas included.
However, sometimes, the species can get on each other’s nerves…
Excessive interest
And that is exactly what happens when a couple of lambs take a particular interest in one of the immature monkeys. Well, actually, each seemed as intrigued with the other, but that’s beside the point.
But no one likes to be stared at for too long. Having not learned such social niceties, the lambs got ever closer to the monkey.
As a result, one was about to get a lesson in boundaries and respecting personal space.
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Get out of my face!
As the lamb got right up into the monkey’s face, the monkey decided that it was all getting a bit much. While what followed could have been the monkey’s own curiosity getting the better of it, it did send a clear message.
Maintaining eye contact all the while, the plucky primate reached out his left hand and, firmly but gently, slapped the over-friendly impala on the nose.
Although the blow likely didn’t hurt, it did come as a complete shock to the lamb. Immediately, it pulled away to get well clear of the source of its surprise.
Supervision required
Seeing all this, the young male monkey in the foreground of the picture below decided it might be time to intervene.
Consequently, it got up and went to get itself between the two youngsters. Kind of like it was telling them that it was enough already, and time to play nice.
It needn’t really have bothered, though, as the lamb and its friend had already decided they were better off seeking the company of their own kind.
As Mark’s video ends, the animals appear to forget the incident entirely. After all, with so many other dangers to contend with, sometimes it’s best not to sweat the small stuff.
