Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Primates
- Family
- Cercopithecidae
- Genus
- Mandrillus
Habitat
Drills primarily inhabit lowland rainforests and dense forest undergrowth in West Central Africa, including regions of Cameroon and Nigeria. They prefer areas with high rainfall, thick vegetation for cover, and proximity to rivers or streams. These environments provide ample food sources and protection from predators.
Diet
Drills are omnivorous, feeding mainly on fruits, seeds, leaves, and insects, with occasional small vertebrates like lizards or frogs. They forage on the forest floor and in trees during the day, using their hands to manipulate and gather food. Feeding behavior includes storing items in cheek pouches for later consumption.
Behavior
Drills live in social troops of 10-20 individuals, typically led by a dominant male, with females forming the core of the group. They are diurnal, spending much of their time foraging on the ground, and exhibit territorial behavior where males defend their range through vocalizations and displays. They communicate with a variety of calls and are known for their agility in both trees and on the forest floor.
Conservation Status
The IUCN classifies the drill as Vulnerable, with populations declining due to habitat loss from deforestation and hunting for the bushmeat trade. Major threats include human encroachment and fragmentation of their rainforest habitats.