vervet

Everyday

1. A vervet is a small African monkey with a grey-green or silvery coat, a black face fringed with white fur and a long tail. tree →
2. Vervets live in groups in the savannas and woodlands of eastern and southern Africa. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons vervet monkeys are famous because they have different alarm calls for different dangers: one for leopards, one for eagles and one for snakes, and the troop reacts differently to each. They are often seen near safari camps, where they may snatch food. Phrases: vervet monkey, a troop of vervets.

Examples

• A vervet monkey leapt onto the safari truck. tree →
• Vervets have black faces with white fur around them. tree →
• When a vervet sees an eagle, it gives a special call and everyone looks up. tree →
• A troop of vervets raided the campsite for bananas. tree →
• Baby vervets cling to their mothers' tummies. tree →
• Vervets eat fruit, leaves, seeds and insects. tree →
• Don't feed the vervets, or they will steal your lunch! tree →

Note

Plural vervets. Pronounced VER-vit. A group of monkeys is called a troop. Feeding wild monkeys is unsafe and makes them bold.