Description:

The savanna ground ape (Ginopithecus savanna) is a ground-dwelling monkey that has evolved to take the niche of the extinct great apes. These stocky monkeys evolved from a population of rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta), which migrated out of Asia and into both Africa and Europe. The African groups evolved to fill the niches left open by the African great apes and some monkeys that died out during the Holocene and Epicene extinction events. The savannah ground ape took up a niche similar to the now-extinct patas monkey (Erythrocebus patas) but on a larger scale.

The savanna ground ape has a yellow coat with dark-brown to cream underbelly. They have dark grey skin that shows on their hands, faces, ears, and feet. They are about 1 to 1.3 meters at the head (the highest part of their body) and about 1.3 to 1.6 meters long from rear to head. They weigh about 150 to 190 kilograms, with males being heavier on average. They are built relatively similar to the now-extinct gorilla (Gorilla) but with some thinner arms and legs. Even though they are commonly called apes, they have a small vestigial tail.

Distribution:

These apes are mainly found in woody savannas and grassland in Africa. They need trees to escape predators and to find food. Occasionally, they can be found in the highlands of the east.

Diet and Forging Patterns:

These monkeys mainly eat grasses and leaves but occasionally eat fruits, insects, and other plants. They usually stick to a restricted area of about 10 to 15 square kilometers. They can walk up to eight kilometers to find food or water.

Social Behavior and Reproduction:

The ground apes typically live in groups with a lead male and a harem of females (up to ten.) Male-only groups exist but are generally smaller (up to 5 males.) The lead male's responsibility is to protect the tribe from predators and other threats (such as rival groups). On the other hand, the females care for the young and other females if they get wounded. The male usually fights off threats by throwing objects, loud vocalizations, and slamming the ground. If these behaviors don't work, they will physically attack the aggressor, usually by biting, hitting, or using tools made to harm other animals. Males also engage in intraspecific competition by shoving each other and hitting, with the loser being whoever tires first. They tend to show more aggression than modern-day great apes, likely due to the predators they deal with. These males will then be banished from the territory until they can overthrow the male. Females live a more peaceful life, caring for the young and finding food.

Males and females sexually mature around 10 to 13 years old. Males will often leave the groups when they reach sexual maturity and form troops. Females often leave their troops when a traveling young male enters their territory. For the most part, female ground apes only breed with the troop leader. There are cases where females breed with "rouge" males, but these cases are rare. During breeding, the female goes through a gestation period of about 8 months. Once the baby is born, it stays with the troop until it reaches sexual maturity.

Intelligence and Tool Making:

The false apes, in general, are considered highly intelligent. These monkeys have very complex, emotional lives with strong family bonds. They have different cultures between regions across the African continent. Ground apes also use tools for the various tasks the savanna throws at them. They have been observed using rocks to break open nuts, sticks to grab things, and multiple items as weapons. Even though some of these animals can use tools, not every tribe knows how. These behaviors are learned, so other ground apes have to teach them to others. Eventually, the behavior will become common among the tribe.