Green Monkeys Of Barbados
Barbados is home to the green monkey, although it’s not a native species, being introduced from West Africa about 350 years ago. They are all over the island and I never get tired of seeing them. There are a couple of monkey families where we live in the middle of the island and we still both cry “monkey!” when we see them in the morning as they are passing through or visiting our garden to devour our mangoes or tamarinds.
The sound of a group of monkeys landing on our roof as they take a short cut over the house to get to the mango tree never gets old for me. To see them run around naturally in the trees around us is a wonderful sight.
Origins and Arrival in Barbados
The green monkeys, scientifically known as Chlorocebus sabaeus, are not originally from Barbados. These monkeys were brought to the island from West Africa over 350 years ago, likely as part of the transatlantic slave trade. It is believed they were introduced by enslaved Africans or settlers as companions or for agricultural purposes. Over time, the green monkeys adapted to the island’s environment and began to thrive.
Today, these monkeys can be found in various parts of the island, from the forests and plantations to urban areas. They have integrated so seamlessly into Barbadian life that it is hard to imagine the island without them.
They can be cheeky and I had one make himself very comfortable on our porch whilst he devoured mangos from our tree. I was more fascinated by our cat’s reaction as two of them had never seen a monkey before (being from the UK). The rescue Barbados cat seemed more intrigued though and I had assumed he may have been in contact with them before I snatched him from the bin live he had. Seems not and he was fascinated by them. We now have a young mango tree growing in the front of our house and I know that it is purely because a monkey dropped a mango stone there. Rather cute I think!
Physical Characteristics
Green monkeys are medium-sized primates that display distinctive features. They have a slender build, with long limbs and a long tail that aids in their agility. Their fur is mostly a yellowish-green color, which gives them their name, and they often have a lighter-colored face with a prominent white beard. Their eyes are large and expressive, adding to their endearing appearance.
These monkeys are incredibly agile and are known for their acrobatic abilities, moving easily through the treetops. They are also skilled swimmers, often seen near coastal areas and water sources around the island.
Behavior and Social Structure
Green monkeys are highly social animals that live in troops. These groups can range in size, typically consisting of 10 to 30 individuals. Within the troop, there is a clear social hierarchy, with dominant males leading the group and making decisions related to food and territory. Female green monkeys tend to remain in the same group, while males may move between different troops.
These monkeys are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day. Their diet is omnivorous, consisting mainly of fruits, seeds, leaves, and flowers, but they are also known to eat small insects and animals when available. While they are mostly herbivorous, their diet can vary depending on the availability of food in their environment.
Green monkeys are particularly well known for their playfulness and curiosity. Visitors to Barbados often report seeing these monkeys engaging in playful behaviors, such as chasing each other, swinging from trees, or inspecting tourists and their surroundings. This curious nature is part of what makes them so captivating to watch.
Unsettling Side of Monkey Abuse
What is horrific is the sight of a monkey tied up and used as a prop for tourists to have photograph’s taken with it. I get angry every time I see this and don’t know who to slap first. The tourist for encouraging this and causing a demand for this mistreatment of a wild animal or the local for thinking that this is a way of living and that there is nothing wrong with this. One particular night when I was out with friends we witnessed a monkey that was tied up to a fence whilst the “owner” went to the bar for the evening. The animal was so distressed and nearly hung itself as it tried to break free. Cue a big argument from me. Sadly, upon deaf ears! A side of Barbados that you won’t see in the brochures or on Trip Advisor!
Especially as there is often a cry to cull the monkey population from farmers. The monkeys also used to be shipped out for medical research and currently there is still in place the bounty on their tails with about $5 for each monkey tail presented as proof of the kill. It’s a horrific thought that crosses my mind every time I see the families of monkeys with their young where we live. The disregard and inhumane regard to animals on this rock is just shocking.
The Green Monkeys and Barbados’ Ecosystem
Although they are not native, green monkeys have become an important part of Barbados’ ecosystem. Their role in the environment includes helping with seed dispersal. As they feed on various fruits, they help to spread seeds throughout the island, contributing to the growth of new plants and trees.
However, the introduction of green monkeys has also had some impact on local agriculture. The monkeys are known to raid crops, including sugar cane, bananas, and other fruits. This has led to occasional conflicts between farmers and the monkeys, as the animals sometimes damage crops in search of food.
Cultural Significance
The green monkeys of Barbados have become more than just a wildlife attraction—they are a part of the island’s cultural identity. Over the years, they have become symbols of the island’s connection to both nature and its complex history. Local folklore, art, and even tourism have incorporated the green monkeys as a beloved feature of Barbadian life.
Tourists visiting Barbados often make it a point to see the green monkeys in their natural habitat. Guided tours in the island’s lush forests or along the coastal areas frequently highlight opportunities to spot these playful creatures. The sight of them climbing trees or playfully interacting with one another adds to the charm of a visit to Barbados.
Conservation Efforts and Future of the Green Monkeys
As with many species, the green monkeys face challenges to their long-term survival. While their population on Barbados is stable, concerns about human-wildlife conflict, habitat destruction, and the impact of climate change are valid. Local conservationists are working to monitor and protect their habitats, ensuring that the green monkeys remain a vital part of the island’s biodiversity.
Efforts to manage their population and reduce the potential negative effects on agriculture are being balanced with the desire to preserve the species and its natural behavior. Ensuring that the green monkeys continue to thrive in Barbados will require careful attention to both the environment and the relationship between humans and wildlife.
Where To Watch The Green Monkeys of Barbados
Dear tourists, there is an wildlife reserve at the north of the island where you can witness monkeys being fed or you may come across them in the Barbados Flower Forest. If you want to see a monkey please go there and do not encourage the horrid trade of monkeys tied up to a person on the south coast!
