ABSTRACT
Chlorocebus aethiops, commonly referred to as vervet monkeys or African green monkeys (AGMs), have been widely used in biomedical research. This chapter provides an overview of the limited published information available pertaining to enrichment and management of vervets, and to present species-specific recommendations to help with more effective behavioral management. The goal of most nonhuman primate behavioral management programs is to promote psychological well-being through a combination of socialization strategies, environmental enrichment, facilities/enclosure design, and training. Aggression and wounding are always risks associated with social housing of nonhuman primates. The aspects of vervet behavior and natural history that differ from other Old World monkeys typically encountered in research settings highlight the importance of developing species-typical behavioral management plans. Vervets are an important nonhuman primate species for biomedical research and knowing how they differ from other nonhuman primates will enhance both the management and proper scientific utilization of the species.
