Quick answer
Mandrills (Mandrillus sphinx) typically live around 20–25 years in the wild. Wild averages fall when predation, disease, or habitat loss rise; managed populations can live longer with stable food and veterinary care.
Key takeaway
Mandrills (Mandrillus sphinx) typically live around 20–25 years in the wild. Wild averages fall when predation, disease, or habitat loss rise; managed populations can live longer with stable food and veterinary care.
Mandrill lifespan in the wild
Field and museum records place most mandrills near 20–25 years in the wild. That figure blends ages at death across regions, so treat it as a planning range. Body size (19–35 kg (42–77 lb); males much larger than females) and risk lifestyle both shape the average.
What shortens mandrill lives
Predation, infectious disease, injury, food shortages, and habitat fragmentation cut survival. Roadkill and human conflict matter wherever mandrills share landscapes with people.
What helps mandrills live longer
Connected habitat, low chronic stress, and reliable food support longevity. For captive or domestic relatives, species-correct diet and veterinary screening matter more than generic “pet” advice.
Mandrill life stages
Juveniles usually face higher mortality than prime adults. Older animals may move less, show dental wear, or lose body condition — useful signs when ageing mandrills in the field.
Diet and ecological role
Mandrills feed on omnivore — fruit, seeds, leaves, insects, and small animals. Foraging shifts with season and local abundance. As mammals, they influence food webs — controlling prey, dispersing seeds, or shaping habitat through feeding and movement.
Conservation and coexistence
Listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Habitat loss, hunting, and climate change threaten many populations. Responsible ecotourism and community conservation help in parts of their range. Never approach or feed wild mandrills.
Sources
Mandrill FAQs
How long do mandrills live?
Mandrills (Mandrillus sphinx) typically live around 20–25 years in the wild. Wild averages fall when predation, disease, or habitat loss rise; managed populations can live longer with stable food and veterinary care.
What is the scientific name of the mandrill?
Mandrillus sphinx — used in research and conservation listings for mandrills.
What do mandrills eat?
Mandrills eat fruit, seeds, leaves, insects, and small animals, with seasonal and regional variation in Rainforests and gallery forest of central Africa.
Where do mandrills live?
They are associated with Rainforests and gallery forest of central Africa. Local presence depends on food, cover, and human land use.
What is the conservation status of mandrills?
Listed in our guides as Vulnerable. Check the IUCN Red List and national assessments for the latest formal category.