The Vervet Monkey (Chlorocebus pygerythrus), from Africa, lives in a hierarchical group. A hierarchy is a system of status or authority, from the leader or leaders to each member of the family order.

Baby Vervet Monkeys play and fight amongst each other. Babies younger than three years old fight for hierarchical positions. Young Vervet Monkeys older than three years old fight more aggressively and for conflict reasons.

Vervet Monkey

A female hierarchy depends on maternal social status. Females compete for grooming rights.

A male hierarchy depends on age, group status, fighting abilities, and friendship allies.

Vervet Monkey

Vervet Monkey

Vervet Monkey

Vervet Monkey

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM