Pronunciation: [mˈandɹɪlz] (IPA) 
The word "Mandrills" is spelled with a silent 'd' in the middle, which may confuse some spellers. The IPA phonetic transcription of this word is /ˈmændrɪlz/. The 'a' is pronounced as in "cat," the 'nd' sounds like 'n,' and the 'i' is pronounced as in "sit." The last syllable, 'ills,' is pronounced with a short 'i' sound and a soft 's' sound. Mandrills are colorful primates found in the rainforests of Central Africa.
Mandrills are a type of primate that belong to the family Cercopithecidae, and are native to the rainforests of Central and West Africa. They are recognized as the largest species of monkey and are closely related to baboons. Mandrills are known for their distinctive physical appearance. They have a robust body structure with a long, muscular tail and an elongated, dog-like snout. The most striking characteristic of mandrills is their colorful face, with a vivid combination of blue and red on the muzzle and cheek areas, as well as yellow brows and a pinkish area on the nose. This facial coloration becomes more intense in adult males, which is also accompanied by a prominent beard and large, sharp canine teeth.
Mandrills are highly social animals and live in hierarchical groups called troops, typically comprising a dominant male, several adult females, and their offspring. They primarily dwell in forested areas, spending their time foraging for food, which mainly consists of fruits, seeds, leaves, insects, and small vertebrates. Mandrills are predominantly ground-dwelling but are capable climbers and spend nights sleeping in trees for safety.
Due to habitat loss and hunting, mandrills are listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Conservation efforts are focused on ensuring the protection of their natural habitats, as well as implementing measures to control illegal hunting and promoting awareness about the importance of preserving these unique and endangered primates.
The word "mandrill" originated from the Portuguese word "mandril". The Portuguese term was derived from the French word "mandrille", which in turn was derived from the Old Provençal word "mandrin", meaning a "basket" or "hut". The word "mandrin" referred to the cage used to transport wild animals. Over time, "mandrill" came to be used specifically to describe the colorful monkeys found in Africa, known for their distinctive facial markings.
