The mandrill is the primate with a vividly blue-and-red face and the world’s largest monkey species.
Mandrills are large Old World monkeys native to rainforests and forest edges in west-central Africa. Adult males develop especially striking colors: a red stripe runs down the nose, while the muzzle is blue and the beard is golden. Females and young animals are generally less brightly colored.
The mandrill is closely related to the drill, but they are separate species. Both belong to the genus Mandrillus, and both have colorful faces, which can cause confusion. Mandrills also have elongated canine teeth, cheek pouches for temporarily storing food, and a short tail.
Their diet includes fruit, seeds, leaves, fungi, insects, and small animals. Large groups can contain hundreds of individuals, although adult males may spend much of the year alone. Their vivid facial markings help individuals recognize one another in dense forest.