Gelada is the only surviving Theropithecus species, having three subspecies: northern, southern and Arsi gelada that prefers afro-alpine cliffs of Tigray, Gondar, Wollo, Showa and Arsi at altitudes between 1,800 to 4,400m above sea level. It is an Old World monkey that looks comparable to true baboons in morphology and size, but differ by having shorter jaws, a longer face, a snub snout, and bulging cheek pouches. The red area of skin located on the chest is the most distinctive morphological feature of geladas the name of the bleeding-heart monkey. Estimated population of Gelada across the country could be less than 25,000 individuals and recent studies showed that 17,638 individuals dwell in limited habitats. Nevertheless, there are indications that subspecies of gelada existed in different parts of the region. They live in a dynamic and complex social organization of which consists of the reproductive unit (one male unit), all-male unit, multi-male unit and bands on a permanent or regular basis. Geladas feed primarily on the leaves of graminoids (grasses and sedges); forbs and insects can be consumed when they are available. In addition, eggs of birds, mollusks, earthworms and reptiles are occasionally added to the diet of geladas.

Keywords: Feeding, Gelada, Population, Social Organization