Types of Monkeys: Many things come to mind when you think monkeys. They are often considered to be cute and very intelligent animals. Many species have their characteristics regarding location, size, color, and even abilities.
Monkeys are very vocal animals, which is how they communicate. They emit different tones to protect themselves from danger, call a mate, and communicate with their young.
Monkeys consist of many species throughout the world. On this page, the BioExplorer team explores all types of monkeys in the mammalian world.
Table of Contents
- All Types of Monkeys
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Monkeys vs. Monkies
- First Grouping of Primates
- Modern Grouping of Primates
- Classification of Primates
- Monkey Data Analysis
- Types of Monkeys By Alphabets
- Types of Monkeys By Diet
- Types of Monkeys By Breeds
- Types of Monkeys By Colors
- Types of Monkeys By Habitats
- Types of Monkeys By Countries
All Types of Monkeys
Here is a collection of all types of monkeys in the world.
Agile Mangabey
Species Name: Cercocebus agilis
The Agile Mangabey is another Old-World monkey of the White-Eylid Mangabey group mainly found in swampy forests. Due to habitat loss, mangabeys are now listed as endangered, both male and female.
Allen’s Swamp Monkey
Species Name: Allenopithecus nigroviridis
Allen's swamp monkeys are small, stocky monkeys with gray to brown fur and long tails. These highly social primates live in the swamp forests of central Africa, where they mostly spend their time in the trees. It was named after Joel Asaph Allen, an American zoologist.
Alta Floresta Titi
Species Name: Plecturocebus grovesi
The Alta Floresta titi is a distinct but unnamed form of titi (Plecturocebus) rediscovered in 2011 in Chapada dos Parecis, a plateau in the far south of the Brazilian state of Rondônia. This species lives exclusively between the Teles-Pires and Juruena rivers in Mato Grosso.
Amazon Black Howler
Species Name: Alouatta nigerrima
Amazon Black Howler is a New World tropical arboreal characterized by densely furry, prehensile tails, all-black faces, a stocky build, relatively large size, and loud howls. According to researchers, its howl sounds like a strong wind blowing through a tunnel can be heard more than two miles away.
Andean Night Monkey
Species Name: Aotus miconax
Andean night monkeys are a genus Aotus, commonly known as nocturnal monkeys or the Peruvian night monkey. Species in this genus are the only truly nocturnal monkeys in the world. Andean night monkeys are not sexually dimorphic as males and females look very similar.
Andean Saddle-back Tamarin
Species Name: Leontocebus leucogenys
The Andean saddle tamarin, also known as the saddleback tamarin (formerly known as the brown-mantled tamarin), is a New World monkey species. Andean saddleback monkeys are considered "phyletic dwarfs," meaning their small size is related to their evolutionary development.
Angolan Colobus
Species Name: Colobus angolensis
The Angolan Colobus is a conspicuously-patterned monkey with a very long tail that helps it maintain its balance as it moves quickly through the trees. Although the species is named after Angola, it's rare in this country.
Angolan Talapoin
Species Name: Miopithecus talapoin
Also known as the Southern talapoin, Angolan talapoin is a primate species in the Cercopithecidae family. Tail color varies from grayish-black to brownish-black above and is yellow or yellowish-gray below. The Angolan talapoin monkeys are among the smallest species of Old-World monkeys.
Annamese Silvered Langur
Species Name: Trachypithecus margarita
The Annamese langur is another Old-World monkey in the subfamily Colobinae. Annamese langurs are covered in thick, gray fur. They have dark faces, and the space around the eyes is pale and forms a ring, often in the flesh. Trachypithecus margarita is a monotypic species as it has no subspecies.
Aracá Uakari
Species Name: Cacajao ayresi
The Aracá uakari, also called the Ayres black uakari, is a newly described monkey species endemic to the northwestern Brazilian Amazon. The species was found by Jean-Philippe Boubli of the University of Auckland after following local Yanomamo Indians on their hunts along the Aracá River, a northern tributary of the Negro River.
Arunachal Macaque
Species Name: Macaca munzala
The Arunachal macaque is a comparatively sizeable brown primate with a relatively short tail. Arunachal macaques were first classified into Cercopithecidae's taxonomy in 2005 by primatologists Madhusudan and Mishra.
Ashy Black Titi
Species Name: Plecturocebus cinerascens
The Ashy black titi is a species initially described in 1823 as Callicebus cinerascens. Ashy black titi monkeys live in small families comprising a monogamous pair and their young. Adult males tend to carry their infants unless the mother is nursing.
Ashy Red Colobus
Species Name: Piliocolobus tephrosceles
The Ashy-red Colobus or Ugandan red Colobus is an endangered species of red Colobus endemic to Eastern Africa. Like other colobus monkeys, Ashy Red has small thumbs that allow it to comfortably grip branches and swing nimbly through the canopy. In 2001, the ashy-red Colobus was recognized as a separate species.
Assam Macaque
Species Name: Macaca assamensis
The Assam macaque, also known as Assamese macaque, is a macaque of the Old-World monkey family endemic to South and Southeast Asia. Assam is another state in India. Eating everything from fruits to 55 types of flowers, leaves, seeds, and bark, these macaque monkeys adapt their diet to suit their habitat.
Atlantic Titi
Species Name: Callicebus personatus
The Atlantic titi, also known as the masked titi, inhabits the rainforests of the Atlantic coast of Brazil east of the Andes in the states of Bahia, Espírito Santo, northwest of Minas Gerais, north of Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo. This species, found nowhere else in the world, inhabit the tropical forests of Brazil's Atlantic coast east of the Andes.
Azara’s Night Monkey
Species Name: Aotus azarae
Azara's night monkeys, also known as southern night monkeys and Azara's owl monkeys, are native to the Gran Chaco region of South America, a vast area with many different ecosystems, from savannas to grasslands to dry spiny forests and gallery forests. Genetic testing has shown that the males of this species mated pairs are the fathers of the babies they care for.
Bald Uakari
Species Name: Cacajao calvus
The bald uakari is an Amazon primate with special traits: it has a glossy red bald face, a short tail, and reddish fur. This monkey is highly specialized and is mainly found in palm habitats. The conspicuous crimson color is caused by blood flow under the skin, specifically a thinner epidermis with a higher concentration of capillaries on the face.
Bale Monkey
Species Name: Chlorocebus djamdjamensis
The Bale monkey, also called the Bale Mountain Vervet, is an endangered, forest-dwelling arboreal primate restricted to a small range in the southern highlands of Ethiopia. The bale monkey depends primarily on a single species of bamboo (Arundinaria Alpina) and favors a bamboo forest habitat. These African primates feature small round heads, and their bodies are covered with a layer of dark-brown fur.
Banded Langur
Species Name: Presbytis femoralis
The Banded langur, also known as the Raffles' banded langur or banded leaf monkey, is a primate species in the Cercopithecidae family. Like other Colobin monkeys, whose young typically have lighter-colored fur than adults, Banded langur infants have white or tan fur until it darkens around 6 months.
Barbara Brown’s Titi
Species Name: Callicebus barbarabrownae
Barbara Brown's titi also known as the northern Bahian blond titi or blond titi monkey, is a New World monkey species. Barbara Brown's titi is named in honor of Barbara Elaine Russell Brown, a zoologist.
Barbary Macaque
Species Name: Macaca sylvanus
The Barbary macaque, also called the Magot macaque, is a macaque endemic to the Atlas Mountains in Morocco and Algeria and a small introduced population in Gibraltar. Before the Ice Age, they inhabited the Mediterranean coasts and most of Europe, as far away as the British Isles and Germany.
Bare-eared Squirrel Monkey
Species Name: Saimiri ustus
The bare-eared squirrel monkey also called the golden-backed squirrel monkey, is a subspecies of the Saimiri sciureus group native to the tropical forests and jungles of South and Central America. The bare-eared squirrel monkey differs from other species because it does not have ear tufts.
Bearded Capuchin
Species Name: Sapajus libidinosus
The bearded capuchin, also called the black-striped capuchin, is a New World monkey in the Cebidae family. They are found in central and northern Brazil. Until recently, the bearded capuchins were considered a subspecies of Tufted Capuchins.
Bearded Saki
Species Name: Chiropotes chiropotes
The bearded sakis or cuxiús are five species of New World monkeys classified in the genus Chiropotes. Bearded saki shows slight sexual dimorphism: males are usually taller and have longer, more prominent beards than females.
Bengal Sacred Langur
Species Name: Semnopithecus entellus
The Bengal sacred langur, also known as Hanuman's langur and the northern plains gray langur, is a primate species in the Cercopithecidae family. The Bengal sacred langurs are often referred to as "Hanuman's langurs", named after Lord Hanuman - the Hindu god.
Black and White Langur
Species Name: Presbytis bicolor
The black-and-white langur is a primate species in the Cercopithecidae family. It was formerly thought to be a subspecies of the Presbytis melalophos (black-crested Sumatran langur). Still, the genetic analysis indicated they were separate species.
Black Bearded Saki
Species Name: Chiropotes satanas
The black-bearded saki is a species of bearded saki, a species of New World monkey, one of the five remaining monkeys of its kind. Another striking feature is its signature beards. This species prefers primary rainforest, where lush tree canopies provide a relatively safe area out of sight and out of reach of several predators.
Black Capuchin
Species Name: Sapajus nigritus
The black capuchin, also called the black-horned capuchin, is a capuchin monkey native to the Atlantic rainforest of southeastern Brazil and extreme northeastern Argentina. The black capuchin was originally called Cebus nigritus or Cebus apella nigritus. Although this has changed, many sources still name the black capuchin as part of the Cebus genus.
Black colobus
The black colobus, also known as satanic black colobus, is a species of Old-World monkey in the Colobus genus. The black colobus is the oldest of the 5 recognized species in the genus Colobus and is said to have diverged 3 to 4 million years ago.
Black Howler monkey
Species Name: Alouatta caraya
Alouatta caraya is found in the tropical rain forests of central South America, extending through eastern Bolivia, Paraguay, southern Brazil, and northern Argentina. Alouatta Caraya monkeys are sexually dimorphic, with males weighing an average of 6.7 kg and females an average of 4.4 kg.
Black Lion Tamarin
Species Name: Leontopithecus chrysopygus
The black lion tamarin, also called the golden-rumped lion tamarin, is a lion tamarin native to the Brazilian state of Sao Paulo, almost exclusively in Morro do Diabo State Park. Its limited geographic range makes it the rarest of the New-World monkeys.
Black Snub-nosed Monkey
Species Name: Rhinopithecus bieti
The black-and-white snub-nosed monkey, also called the Yunnan snub-nosed monkey, is a large black-and-white primate living only in Yunnan Province in southern China, where it is known to the local population as the Yunnan golden-haired monkey. The species gets the "snub-nosed" part of its name due to its lack of nasal bones.
Black Spider Monkey
Species Name: Ateles paniscus
Ateles paniscus, the black spider monkey, is one of three sub-species of spider monkeys. Aside from the face, feet, and hands, they are covered in jet-black hair longer than a typical primate. Of all the Ateles species, Ateles paniscus is the largest.
Black Squirrel Monkey
Species Name: Saimiri vanzolinii
The black squirrel monkey, also called the black-headed squirrel monkey or the blackish squirrel monkey is a small New-World monkey native to the central Amazonian region of Brazil. The black squirrel monkey closely resembles the much more common Bolivian squirrel monkey. However, the latter lacks the central black back.
Black Sumatran Langur
Species Name: Presbytis sumatrana
The black Sumatran langur is a species of monkey in the Cercopithecidae family that is endemic to Indonesia's Sumatra Island. Presbytis sumatrana was once considered a subspecies of Sumatran Surili. Still, genetic analysis has shown it to be a distinct species.
Black Tamarin
Species Name: Saguinus niger
Also known as western black-handed tamarind, the black tamarind is a species of tamarin native to Brazil. Black tamarind uses primary and secondary forests during foraging, primarily attaching itself to the canopy and spending little time on the ground.
Black Titi
Species Name: Cheracebus lugens
The Black Titi (Cheracebus lugens) is a species of Titi, a New World monkey endemic to South America. It is found in Venezuela, Colombia, and Brazil. It is also known as White-chested Titi.
Black Uakari
Species Name: Cacajao melanocephalus
Also called the golden-backed black uakari, golden-backed uakari, and Homboldt's black-headed uakari, the black uakari, is a species native to southwestern Venezuela, southeastern Colombia, and northwestern Brazil. The face of Cacajao melanocephalus is black and bare, hence the common name "black uakari" or "black-faced uakari". The hands and lower limbs are black too.
Black-capped Squirrel Monkey
Species Name: Saimiri boliviensis
The black-capped squirrel monkey is a New-World primate species endemic to the upper Amazon basin in Bolivia, eastern Peru, and western Brazil. Primarily, black-capped squirrel monkeys are arboreal and found in native and plantation forests and some managed areas close to running water.
Black-crested mangabey
Species Name: Lophocebus aterrimus
Black-crested mangabeys, also known as black mangabeys, are endemic to central Africa, occupying the Democratic Republic of the Congo, south of the Congo River (formerly known as the Zaire River), and likely extinct in Angola. They are mainly found in primary and secondary tropical forests, gallery forests, and swamps. Locals nicknamed these primates "baboon mangabeys" due to their resemblance to the baboon species.
Black-Crested Sumatran Langur
Species Name: Presbytis melalophos
The black-crested Sumatran langur (Presbytis melalophos), also called the Mitred leaf monkey, is a primate species in the Cercopithecidae family. The black-crested Sumatran langur, Raffles' banded langur, Sarawak surili, and black-and-white langur were formerly considered subspecies of Presbytis melalophos.
Black-faced Lion Tamarin
Species Name: Leontopithecus caissara
The black-faced lion tamarin, also known as superagüi lion tamarin, is a small New-World primate in the Callitrichidae family. Black-faced lion tamarins are diurnal and seek refuge in hollows or tree holes at night.
Black-footed Gray Langur
Species Name: Semnopithecus hypoleucos
The black-footed gray langur is an Old-World monkey, one of the langur species. Like other gray langurs, this species is a leaf-eating monkey in southern India. The black-footed gray langur is distributed throughout southwestern India (Kerala, Karnataka, and Goa) but is concentrated in the Western Ghats.
Black-fronted Titi
Species Name: Callicebus nigrifrons
The black-fronted titi is a New-World monkey native to Brazil. Black-fronted titi monkeys have short faces, fluffy bodies, long legs, and long fluffy tails. The black-fronted titi monkey is listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN due to extensive habitat loss and fragmentation in the remnant Atlantic Forest in southeastern Brazil.
Black-headed Marmoset
Species Name: Mico nigriceps
The black-headed marmoset is a species of marmoset native to Brazil. It inhabits tropical rainforests, mainly second growth and fringes. Black-headed marmoset lives in large family groups of 4 to 15 individuals. Typically, only one female per group breeds during any given breeding season.
Black-headed Night Monkey
Species Name: Aotus nigriceps
The black-headed night monkey is a nocturnal monkey species native to South America. The monkeys are small primates about the size of a small squirrel. The black-headed night monkeys in Peru have mainly inhabited degraded areas.
Black-Headed Spider Monkey
Species Name: Ateles fusciceps
The black-headed spider monkey is a species of New-World monkey native to Central and South America. The species name "Ateles" is derived from the Greek word "ateleia" meaning imperfect or incomplete. It was likely chosen because these monkeys do not have a thumb.
Black-mantled Tamarin
Species Name: Leontocebus nigricollis
The black-mantled tamarin is a saddleback tamarin native to northwestern Amazonia in far western Brazil, eastern Ecuador, southeastern Colombia, and northeastern Peru. Leontocebus nigricollis live in small multi-male and multi-female social groups of 4 to 12 and occupy 30 to 50 hectares.
Black-shanked Douc Langur
Species Name: Pygathrix nigripes
One of three species of Douc langur (the gray-footed and the red-footed are the other two), the black-shanked douc langur is only found in southwestern Vietnam and eastern Cambodia, inhabiting primary monsoon forests as well as secondary and tropical forests.
Black-Tailed Marmoset
Species Name: Mico melanurus
The black-tailed marmoset is a New-World monkey species native to central South America. It is distributed from south-central Amazonia in Brazil to the Chaco far north of Paraguay. Black-tailed marmosets are arboreal and diurnal, using their claws for tree climbing.
Black-Tufted Marmoset
Species Name: Callithrix penicillata
The black-tufted marmoset, also called the Black-pencilled marmosets or Mico-estrela in Portuguese is a type of New-World monkey. They live mainly in the neotropical gallery forests of the central Brazilian plateau.
Blond Capuchin
Species Name: Sapajus flavius
The blond capuchin monkey is one of the capuchin monkeys native to northeastern Brazil. They get their name from the distinctive golden-blond fur on their bodies. Like other primate species, the blond capuchin is threatened by poaching and trapping for the illegal pet trade.
Blue Monkey
Species Name: Cercopithecus mitis
The blue monkey is a species of Old-World monkey endemic to east and central Africa, ranging from the upper Congo Basin east to the East African Rift Valley and south to Zambia and northern Angola.
Blue Nile Patas Monkey
Species Name: Erythrocebus poliophaeus
The Blue Nile patas monkey, also known as Heuglin's patas monkey, is an Old-World monkey endemic to Africa along the Blue Nile Valley in Sudan, Ethiopia, and possibly South Sudan. Blue Nile patas monkeys are one of the fastest land monkeys, reaching speeds of around 34 miles per hour.
Bolivian Red Howler
Species Name: Alouatta sara
The Bolivian red howler monkey is a New-World monkey species native to neotropical South America. The Bolivian red howlers live in groups of 1 to 3 males and 2 to 7 females. Males in bachelor groups try to dominate the female group by wrestling the lead male.
Bonnet Macaque
Species Name: Macaca radiata
The Bonnet Macaque, also called Zati, is a species of macaque native to southern India. Bonnet macaques get their common name from a unique feature: a hood-like tuft of hair that extends from the top of their head, much like a tuft of dry grass. Their marble-round eyes look out into the world with a very expressive forehead.
Booted Macaque
Species Name: Macaca ochreata
The booted macaque is a macaque native to Indonesia's Sulawesi Island. This Old-World monkey is diurnal, spending most of the day in trees. A booted macaque monkey's body mass is determined by its sex, with males significantly larger than females.
Bouvier’s Red Colobus
Species Name: Piliocolobus bouvieri
Bouvier's Red Colobus was rediscovered in 2015 in the Republic of Congo after four decades without confirmed sightings. These African primates live in the swampy forests surrounding the Congo River, between the mouths of the Oubangui and Alima rivers.
Brazilian Bare-Faced Tamarin
Species Name: Saguinus bicolor
The pied tamarin, also known as the pied bare-faced tamarin or Brazilian bare-faced tamarin, has one of the smallest home ranges of any primate in the world, located in and around the port city of Manaus.
Brown Howler Monkey
Species Name: Alouatta guariba
The brown howler monkey, also called the brown howler monkey, is a species of New World monkey that lives in the forests of southeastern Brazil and northeastern Argentina. Despite the common name "brown howler", its color is remarkably variable, with some individuals mainly appearing black or reddish-orange.
Brown Titi
Species Name: Plecturocebus brunneus
The brown titi is another species of titi, a New World monkey native to South America. It was initially described in 1842 as Callicebus brunneus and transferred to the new genus Plecturocebus in 2016.
Brown Weeper Capuchin
Species Name: Cebus brunneus
The brown weeper capuchin, or Venezuelan brown capuchin, is a species of graceful capuchin monkey native to Venezuela. Unlike spider monkeys, brown weeper capuchin monkeys can't hang by their tails because they cannot support their body weight.
Brown-backed Bearded Saki
Species Name: Chiropotes israelita
The brown-backed bearded Saki is one of 5 species of bearded Saki, a New World monkey species. Bearded sakis have a unique appearance. They are born with prehensile tails, which they retain for the first two months of their life. This allows them to cling to their mother's body. After this time, the tail becomes non-prehensile.
Brown-mantled Tamarin
Species Name: Leontocebus fuscicollis
The brown-mantled tamarin also called the Spix's saddleback tamarin, is a species of saddleback tamarin native to South America. The species are considered "phyletic dwarfs," meaning their small size is linked to their evolutionary development.
Brumback’s Night Monkey
Species Name: Aotus brumbacki
is a nocturnal monkey species found in Colombia. Still, recently, it has been argued that it should be considered a separate species. The species gets its name in honor of the American naturalist and physician Roger Brumback.
Buffy-headed Marmoset
Species Name: Callithrix flaviceps
The buffy-headed marmoset is a rare species of marmoset native to the tropical rainforests of southeastern Brazil. These miniature and shy monkeys are mostly tree dwellers, crawling on 4 legs (quadrupeds) from tree to tree with jerky, squirrel-like movements.
Buffy-tufted Marmoset
Species Name: Callithrix aurita
The buffy-tufted marmoset, also called the white-eared marmoset or buffy-tufted-ear marmoset is a New World monkey living in the forests of the Atlantic coast of southeastern Brazil. Unlike most marmoset monkeys, buffy-tufted-ear marmosets are mainly insectivorous, although their diet is generally carnivorous.
Burnished Saki
Species Name: Pithecia inusta
The Burnished saki is a species of saki monkey, a species of New World monkey. It is located in central Peru and a small part of adjacent Brazil. The species was described by Johann Baptist von Spix in 1823 but was later merged with the monk saki (Pythecia monachus).
Campbell’s Mona Monkey
Species Name: Cercopithecus campbelli
Campbell's Mona monkey, also called the Campbell's monkey or Campbell's guenon is a primate species in the Cercopithecidae family. The species was named after Henry Dundas Campbell in 1838.
Capped Langur
Species Name: Trachypithecus pileatus
The capped langur is a type of monkey in the Cercopithecidae family. These langurs can vary in appearance. This Asian primate gets its name from the thick hairs on the top of the head, typically gray or black.
Caquetá Titi
Species Name: Plecturocebus caquetensis
The caquetá titi also called the bushy-bearded titi or red-bearded titi, is a species of titi monkey native to Colombia in the Caquetá region. Dr. Marta Bueno, Thomas Defler, and their student Javier García of the National University of Colombia are credited with the 2008 discovery of the Caquetá-Titi monkey.
Cat Ba Langur
Species Name: Trachypithecus poliocephalus
The white-headed langur, also called the Cat Ba langur, is an endangered species of langur native to Guangxi, China. Cat Ba langurs are comfortable in trees or ground but prefer steep cliffs where humans can't set foot.
Cazuza’s Saki
Species Name: Pithecia cazuzai
Cazuza's Saki is native to northwestern Brazil. Populations of this species were previously classified as Rio Tapajós saki (Pithecia irrorata). Still, a 2014 study found that these populations had a pelage distinct from all other species in the genus and were therefore considered their own species, Pithecia cazuzai.
Central American Squirrel Monkey
Species Name: Saimiri oerstedii
The Central American squirrel monkey also called the red-backed squirrel monkey, is a squirrel monkey type native to the Pacific coast of Panama and Costa Rica. Central American squirrel monkeys spend most of their lives in the middle and upper layers of the tree canopy.
Chacma Baboon
Species Name: Papio ursinus
Like all other baboons, the Chacma baboon, the Cape baboon, belongs to the Old-World monkey family. Chacma baboons have a habit of flipping over rocks in search of food. So, it's pretty easy to spot where a group of Chacmas once foraged.
Chacoan Titi Monkey
Species Name: Plecturocebus pallescens
The Chacoan Titi Monkey is a species of titi (also called White-coated Titi), a type of New World monkey native to South America. These diurnal monkeys are stealthy and hard to spot as they navigate the canopy. They move between branches and trees by walking or jumping on four limbs.
Chestnut-bellied Titi
Species Name: Plecturocebus caligatus
The chestnut-bellied titi monkey is a New World primate species native to Brazil. The Chestnut-bellied Titi monkeys live in family groups consisting of father, mother, and baby monkeys ranging in size from three to seven with other affiliates.
Coastal Black-handed Titi
Species Name: Callicebus melanochir
The coastal black-handed titi is another species of titi, a New World primate native to the Atlantic Forest of northeastern Brazil. Coastal black-handed Titi monkeys vocalize synchronously early in the morning, possibly to announce their presence in their territory.
Coimbra Filho’s Titi
Species Name: Callicebus coimbrai
or Coimbra titi is a species of titi, a New World primate native to the forests of the Brazilian states of Sergipe and Bahia. It is named in honor of Adelmar F. Coimbra-Filho, founder and former director of the Rio de Janeiro Primate Center, for his Brazilian biology and primatology work.
Collared Mangabey
Species Name: Cercocebus torquatus
The collared mangabey, also called the white-collared mangabey or red-capped mangabey, is an Old-World monkey endemic to the Atlantic coast of central and west Africa. Its distinctive chestnut-red cap gives the species the name red-capped mangabey, and its white collar gives it the names white-collared and collared mangabey.
Collared Titi
Species Name: Cheracebus torquatus
The collared titi, also called the widow monkey, or yellow-handed monkey inhabits the lush rainforests of the Amazon and is typically found south of Río Negro and north of Río Solimões. Titi monkeys are often known to "duet" with each other, either between an adult female and an adult male, an adult female and her son, or an adult male and his daughter.
Collins’ Squirrel Monkey
Species Name: Saimiri collinsi
Collins' Squirrel Monkey is a species of squirrel monkey endemic to Brazil. Until a genetic study by Jessica Lynch Alfaro et al. raised them to the species category, Collins' squirrel monkey had been considered a subspecies of the squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus).
Colombian Black-handed Titi
Species Name: Cheracebus medemi
The Colombian Black-handed titi is a species of titi, a New World primate native to Colombia. The Colombian black-handed titi is a diurnal and arboreal monkey that prefers to live in dense forests near water.
Common Marmoset
Species Name: Callithrix jacchus
The common marmoset, also known as white-tufted-ear marmoset or white-tufted marmoset, is a type of New World monkey. As they have adapted to life at the forest edge of southeastern Brazil, common marmosets have also learned to take advantage of the region's plantations.
Coppery Titi
Species Name: Plecturocebus cupreus
The coppery titi, or the red titi, is a species of titi, a type of New-World monkey native to South America. Coppery titi monkeys have dense fur that covers most of the body except for the face.
Cotton-Top Tamarin
Species Name: Saguinus oedipus
The cotton-top tamarin is another small New-World primate found at the edge of tropical and secondary forests in northwestern Colombia. The common names "cotton-headed tamarin" and "cotton-top tamarin" are derived from the white hairs that spread across the head and flow down the neck.
Crab-Eating Macaque
Species Name: Macaca fascicularis
The crab-eating macaque also called the long-tailed macaque and known in laboratories as the cynomolgus monkey, is a primate monkey endemic to Southeast Asia. Crab-eating macaque macaques live in multi-male groups comprising around 30 members.
Crested Black Macaque
Species Name: Macaca nigra
The Crested Black Macaque, also called the Sulawesi Crested Macaque or Celebes Crested Macaque is an Old World monkey native to the Tangkoko Game Reserve in the extreme northeast of the Indonesian island of Celebes (Sulawesi) and neighboring islets.
Crested Mona Monkey
Species Name: Cercopithecus pogonias
The crested mona monkey, also called the golden-bellied monkey, golden-bellied guenon, or crowned guenon, is a species of African primate in the Cercopithecidae family in west-central Africa. Like many species of Cercopithecus, the crested mona monkey has large cheek pouches that it fills with seeds and fruit while foraging for food.
Cross Marked Langur
Species Name: Presbytis chrysomelas
The Sarawak surili, also known as Cross-marked Langur, is a monkey species in the Cercopithecidae family. The Sarawak surili was once considered widespread but has declined significantly due to habitat and loss persecution.
Cruz Lima’s Saddleback Tamarin
Species Name: Leontocebus cruzlimai
The Cruz Lima saddleback tamarin is a species of saddleback tamarin, a small monkey native to South America. The Cruz Lima saddleback tamarins were formerly thought to be a subspecies of the brown-mantled tamarin (Leontocebus fuscicollis).
De Brazza’s Monkey
Species Name: Cercopithecus neglectus
De Brazza's monkey is an Old-World primate native to central Africa's swamp and riverine forests. It is the largest species of the guenon family and one of the most widespread African arboreal primates.
Delacour’s Langur
Species Name: Trachypithecus delacouri
The Delacour's langur, also known as Delacour's Lutung, is an endangered Lutung native to northern Vietnam. The species is named after Jean Théodore Delacour, a French-American ornithologist.
Dent’s Mona Monkey
Species Name: Cercopithecus denti
The expressive face of Dent's mona monkey is characterized by golden eyes; a flat, long, dark nose; and a pink chin and mouth. Dent mona monkeys are often found in the company of other primate species.
Diana Monkey
Species Name: Cercopithecus diana
The Diana monkey is an Old-World primate found in the high-canopy forests of Liberia, Sierra Leone, and the western Ivory Coast. Diana monkeys get their name from the white crescent-shaped headband that resembles the crescent moon on the forehead of the Roman goddess Diana, protector of woodlands and wildlife.
Drill
Species Name: Mandrillus leucophaeus
The Drill is a primate in the Cercopithecidae family (Old-World monkeys), related to baboons and even more closely to mandrills. Like mandrills, drills are highly social animals that live in groups of around 20 individuals with multiple males and females, with one male dominating reproductive decisions.
Dryas Monkey
Species Name: Chlorocebus dryas
The Dryas monkey, also called the Salonga monkey, Inoko, or Ekele is a little-known Old World primate only found in the Congo Basin and restricted to the Congo River's left bank. Unlike guenon monkeys, which make loud leaps and resounding calls, dryas monkeys move silently.
Dusky Langur
Species Name: Trachypithecus obscurus
Dusky langurs also known as spectacled langurs, spectacled leaf monkeys, and dusky leaf monkeys, are primarily found in the Malay Peninsula in Asia. White rings surrounding the deep, dark eyes give the species its alternative name, the spectacled monkey or spectacled langur, for a "bespectacled" look.
East Javan Langur
Species Name: Trachypithecus auratus
The East Javan langur, also called the Javan lutung, Javan langur, or ebony langur is an Old-World primate in the subfamily Colobinae. As with all langurs, the East Javan langur is a social animal, living in groups of about 7 individuals, with 1 or 2 adult males in the group.
East Sumatran Banded Langur
Species Name: Presbytis percura
The East Sumatran banded langur also called the East Sumatran banded surili are primarily found in the fragmented landscape of pulp and rubber plantations. These surilis are shy and alert creatures, rarely leaving the comfort of their canopies.
Eastern Black-handed Tamarin
Species Name: Saguinus ursula
The Eastern black-handed marmoset (Saguinus ursulus) is a species of marmoset native to Brazil. These tamarins are mainly covered in jet-black fur, with only a small area around the nose and eyes and most hairless ears.
Eastern Pygmy Marmoset
Species Name: Cebuella niveiventris
The eastern pygmy marmoset is a species of marmoset, a tiny New World monkey found in the southwestern Amazon rainforest. Notably, at just over 100 grams (3.5 ounces), the eastern pygmy marmoset is the smallest monkey and among the smallest primates in the world.
Ecuadorian Capuchin
Species Name: Cebus aequatorialis
The Ecuadorian capuchin, also known as the Ecuadorian white-fronted capuchin, is a species of a graceful capuchin monkey in the Cebidae family. The highest-ranking female dominates all group members except the highest-ranking male.
Ecuadorian Squirrel Monkey
Species Name: Saimiri macrodon
The Ecuadorian squirrel monkey is a species of the squirrel monkey. Although it occasionally ventures to the ground to play or feed, the Ecuadorian squirrel monkey is strictly an arboreal primate.
Emilia’s Marmoset
Species Name: Mico emiliae
The Emilia's marmoset also called the Snethlage's marmoset, is a marmoset native to Brazil. The species is named after Emilie Snethlage, a German-born Brazilian ornithologist.
Emperor Tamarin
Species Name: Saguinus imperator
The Emperor Tamarin is a species of tamarin named for its resemblance to the German Kaiser Wilhelm II. It lives in the states of Acre and Amazonas, western Brazil, and the southwestern Amazon basin.
Equatorial Saki
Species Name: Pithecia aequatorialis
The Equatorial Saki, also known as the red-bearded Saki, is a species of saki monkey and New World monkey. They are most common in riparian, seasonally flooded, and swampy forests but have also been seen in terra firme forests.
Foa’s Red Colobus
Species Name: Piliocolobus foai
Foa's Red Colobus or Central African red colobus is endemic to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Generally, these African primates are found in large groups of 20 to 90 individuals.
Formosan Rock Macaque
Species Name: Macaca cyclopis
The Formosan rock macaque also called the Taiwanese macaque, or Formosan rock monkey, is a macaque native to the island of Taiwan. Aside from humans, Formosan rock macaques are the only native primates living in Taiwan.
François’ Langur
Species Name: Trachypithecus francoisi
The François langur, also called the white side-burned black langur, François leaf monkey, or Tonkin leaf monkey is a species of Lutung and the type species of its species group. The François langur is among the least studied langur species.
Gabon Talapoin
Species Name: Miopithecus ogouensis
The Gabon talapoin, also called the northern talapoin, is a small species of African primate endemic to riverine habitats in Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon, the far western Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the western Republic of the Congo.
Gee’s Golden Langur
Species Name: Trachypithecus geei
Gee's golden langur, also known simply as the golden langur, is an Old-World primate found in a small area of western Assam, India, and in the nearby foothills of the Black Mountains of Bhutan. Gee's golden langur was officially discovered in 1953 by Edward Pritchard Gee, an amateur naturalist and tea planter in Assam, India.
Gelada
Species Name: Theropithecus gelada
The gelada often called the gelada baboon, or the bleeding-heart monkey, is an Old-World monkey found only in the Ethiopian highlands. Geladas aren't territorial, and it is not unusual to find congregations of separate groups foraging together when conditions are favorable.
Geoffroy’s Monk Saki
Species Name: Pithecia monachus
Geoffroy's monk saki, also called monk saki, is a species of saki monkey, a New-World primate native to South America. A monk saki is one of seven species of New-World arboreal monkeys with a bushy, feathery tail.
Geoffroy’s Saddleback Tamarin
Species Name: Leontocebus nigrifrons
Geoffroy's Saddleback Tamarin is a saddled tamarin, a species of small monkey native to South America. Geoffroy's saddleback tamarins often associate and form mixed groups with mustached tamarins (Saguinus mystax). Both species often perch in the same tree, responding to each other's alarm calls.
Geoffroy’s Spider Monkey
Species Name: Ateles geoffroyi
Geoffroy's spider monkey also called the Central American spider monkey or black-handed spider monkey, is a species of spider monkey. The species name geoffroyi is honored by Étienne Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, a French naturalist.
Geoffroy’s Tamarin
Species Name: Saguinus geoffroyi
Geoffroy's tamarin, also called the Panamanian tamarin, red-crested tamarin, or rufous-naped marmoset tamarin, is a tamarin, a small monkey found in Colombia and Panama. In what may seem like a role reversal in many monkey species, Geoffroy's tamarins are led by the oldest female in a group.
Germain’s Langur
Species Name: Trachypithecus germaini
Germain's Langur is a lutung species endemic to Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Burma. Germain's langur is a terrestrial tree-dwelling species occasionally found in lowlands.
Goeldi’s Monkey
Species Name: Callimico goeldii
Goeldi marmoset or Goeldi monkey is a small South American New-World monkey living in the upper Amazon basin region of Brazil, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia, and Peru. Goeldi marmosets generally stay less than 5 meters from the forest floor, moving to higher elevations for fruit.
Gold-And-White Marmoset
Species Name: Mico chrysoleucos
The gold-and-white marmoset, also called the golden-white tassel-ear marmoset, is a species of marmoset, a tiny monkey native to the Amazon rainforest in the eastern Amazonas state of Brazil.
Golden Angwantibo
Species Name: Arctocebus aureus
The golden angwantibo is a strepsirrhine primate of the Lorisidae family. Bärenmaki, meaning "lemur bear," is the German name for the golden angwantibo due to its bear-like appearance. However, we see no resemblance.
Golden Lion Tamarin
Species Name: Leontopithecus rosalia
The golden lion tamarin (Leontopithecus rosalia), also called the golden tamarin, is a small New World primate in the Callitrichidae family. The golden lion tamarin derives its name from its vivid reddish-orange coat and extra-long hair around its face and ears, giving it a distinctive mane.
Golden Snub-Nosed Monkey
Species Name: Rhinopithecus roxellana
The golden snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus roxellana) is an Old World monkey of the subfamily Colobinae. Golden snub-nosed monkeys are highly social animals that exhibit group behaviors known as fission and fusion.
Golden-Bellied Capuchin
Species Name: Sapajus xanthosternos
The golden-bellied capuchin (Sapajus xanthosternos), also called the buff-headed or yellow-breasted capuchin is a New World monkey species. They spend much time grooming one another for socialization, with the alpha species receiving the most attention.
Golden-Bellied Mangabey
Species Name: Cercocebus chrysogaster
The golden-bellied mangabey (Cercocebus chrysogaster) is a gregarious Old-World monkey found in humid, swampy forests south of the Congo River. Golden-bellied mangabeys are a migratory and social species, moving in groups of 8 to 30 members.
Golden-faced Saki
Species Name: Pithecia chrysocephala
The golden-faced saki (Pithecia chrysocephala) is a New World monkey found on the northern side of the Amazon on both sides of the Rio Negro in Brazil. This species was previously classified as a subspecies of white-faced saki (Pithecia pithecia) but was upgraded to full species status in 2014.
Golden-Headed Lion Tamarin
Species Name: Leontopithecus chrysomelas
The golden-headed lion tamarin (Leontopithecus chrysomelas), also known as the golden-headed tamarin, is a lion tamarin native to Brazil. It is only found in fragments of lowland and premontane forests in the state of Bahia and is therefore considered an endangered species.
Golden-mantled Tamarin
Species Name: Leontocebus tripartitus
The golden-mantled tamarin (Leontocebus tripartius) is native to South America. The golden-mantled tamarin is an arboreal, diurnal species that leaps and walks quadrupedally through the undergrowth.
Gorontalo Macaque
Species Name: Macaca nigrescens
The Gorontalo macaque (Macaca nigrescens), also called the Dumoga-bone macaque, is a species of the primate of the Cercopithecidae family. It is native to the Sulawesi Island of Indonesia.
Gray Snub-Nosed Monkey
Species Name: Rhinopithecus brelichi
The gray snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus brelichi), also called Guizhou golden monkey, Brelich's snub-nosed monkey, and Guizhou snub-nosed monkey is a species of primate in the Cercopithecidae family. The confirmed range of the gray snub-nosed monkey is endemic to China (Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve in Wuling Mountains of Guizhou Province).
Gray-Cheeked Mangabey
Species Name: Lophocebus albigena
The gray-cheeked mangabey (Lophocebus albigena), also called the white-cheeked mangabey, is an Old World monkey found in the forests of central Africa. Gray-cheeked mangabeys belong to the same family (Cercopithecinae) and phylum (Papionini) as mandrills, macaques, and baboons.
Gray-Shanked Douc Langur
Species Name: Pygathrix cinerea
The gray-shanked douc langur (Pygathrix cinerea) is a species of douc endemic to the Vietnamese provinces of Gia Lai, Quảng Ngãi, Kon Tum, Bình Định, and Quảng Nam. Genetically, Gray-shanked douc langurs are similar to Red-shanked douc langurs (Pygathrix nemaeus).
Gray’s Bald-faced Saki
Species Name: Pithecia irrorata
Gray's Bald-faced Saki (Pithecia irrorata), also known as Rio Tapajós saki, is a New World monkey native to South America. These monkeys are renowned for being reclusive because they avoid humans and quiet nature.
Greater Spot-Nosed Monkey
Species Name: Cercopithecus nictitans
The greater spot-nosed monkey (Cercopithecus nictitans), also called the greater white-nosed monkey, putty-nosed monkey, and white-nosed guenons, is among the smallest Old-World monkeys. Great spot-nosed monkeys have a polygamous mating system in which a resident adult male coexists with multiple adult females and their young.
Green Monkey
Species Name: Chlorocebus sabaeus
The green monkey (Chlorocebus sabaeus), also called the sabaeus monkey, is an Old World monkey with golden-green fur, pale feet, and hands. Green monkeys' locomotion varies little, regardless of substrate or habitat. In nearly all circumstances, they move quadrupedally in the treetops or on the ground.
Grivet Monkey
Species Name: Chlorocebus aethiops
The Grivet monkey (Chlorocebus aethiops) is an Old World monkey with long tufts of white fur on the sides of its face. Grivet monkeys are very social animals. They travel in small groups and are among the few species to have groups with multiple males.
Guianan Brown Capuchin
Species Name: Sapajus apella
The tufted capuchin (Sapajus apella), also called the pin monkey, Guianan brown capuchin, or black-headed capuchin is a New World monkey native to South America and the Caribbean islands of Margarita and Trinidad.
Guianan Saki
Species Name: Pithecia pithecia
The white-faced saki (Pithecia pithecia), also known as the golden-faced saki, Guianan saki, and Guyana saki, is a New World saki monkey species. Typically, they have a lifespan of around 14 years in the wild and have lived up to 36 years in captivity.
Guianan Squirrel Monkey
Species Name: Saimiri sciureus
The Guianan squirrel monkey, also called the South American squirrel monkey, is a squirrel monkey found in Guiana, Brazil, and Venezuela. Saimiri sciureus was once thought to belong to the Collins' squirrel monkey and the Humboldt's squirrel monkey. Still, genetic research in 2009 and 2015 showed they were different species.
Guianan Weeper Capuchin
Species Name: Cebus olivaceus
The wedge-capped capuchin (Cebus olivaceus), also known as Guianan weeper capuchin, is a capuchin monkey native to South America. Wedge-capped capuchins get their name from a black triangle of dark fur centered on their forehead.
Guinea Baboon
Species Name: Papio papio
The Guinea baboon (Papio papio) is a baboon of the Old World monkey family. When walking, these baboons support their weight on the bottom of their toes in front and on the entire sole of their feet.
Guyanan Red Howler Monkey
Species Name: Alouatta macconnelli
The Guyanan red howler monkey (Alouatta macconnelli) also known as Guianan Red Howler, is a New World monkey native to Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad, Venezuela, and Brazil. Each troop has a hierarchy consisting of a single dominant alpha male, sometimes with 1 or 2 subadult males. The rests are females and their young.
Hairy Saki
Species Name: Pithecia hirsuta
The hairy saki (Pithecia hirsuta) is a species of saki monkey, a New World primate species. The species was identified by Johann Baptist von Spix in 1823 but later merged with the Mönk saki (P. monachus). Then, a 2014 study revived it as a separate species due to differences in fur coloration.
Hamadryas Baboon
Species Name: Papio hamadryas
The Hamadryas baboon (Papio hamadryas) is a baboon species in the Old World monkey family. The Hamadryas baboon was a sacred animal to the ancient Egyptians. It appeared in various roles in ancient Egyptian religion, hence its alternative common name, "sacred baboon".
Hamlyn’s Monkey
Species Name: Cercopithecus hamlyni
The Hamlyn's monkey (Cercopithecus hamlyni), also called the owl-faced monkey, is an Old World monkey inhabiting the Congo's bamboo and primary rain forests. Hamlyn's monkeys have unique feet and hands in elongated phalanges.
Hatinh Langur
Species Name: Trachypithecus hatinhensis
The Hatinh langur (Trachypithecus hatinhensis) is a critically endangered Old World monkey found in the limestone forests of Vietnam, particularly in Quảng Bình province. Contrary to their common name, the Hatinh langur is not known from the province of Hà Tĩnh.
Heck’s Macaque
Species Name: Macaca hecki
The Heck's Macaque (Macaca hecki) is a macaque native to Sulawesi, Indonesia. This Old-World monkey is diurnal. Due to their frugivorous diet, Heck's macaques will likely act as seed dispersers throughout their habitat.
Hershkovitz’s Marmoset
Species Name: Mico intermedius
The Hershkovitz marmoset (Mico intermedia), also called the Aripuanã marmoset, is endemic to the Amazon rainforest of south-central Brazil. The common name references Philip Hershkovitz, an American zoologist.
Highland Mangabey
Species Name: Rungwecebus kipunji
The kipunji (Rungwecebus kipunji), also called the highland mangabey, is an Old World monkey inhabiting the upland forests of Tanzania. Kipunji is active during the day and mostly confine their activity to trees and rarely reach the ground.
Hoffmann’s Titi
Species Name: Plecturocebus hoffmannsi
Hoffmann's Titi (Plecturocebus hoffmannsi) is a New World primate native to Brazil. It was described as Callicebus hoffmannsi in 1908. These primates have small to medium-sized bodies. Hoffmann's titis are known to live in small, pair-bonded, and territorial groups and are considered monogamous by most biologists.
Hooded Capuchin
Species Name: Sapajus cay
The Azaras capuchin or hooded capuchin (Sapajus cay) is a robust capuchin species. It is found in northern Argentina, southeastern Bolivia, eastern Paraguay, and Brazil. Its habitat consists of humid, subtropical, semi-deciduous, gallery forests and forests in the Pantanales.
Hose’s Langur
Species Name: Presbytis hosei
The Hose's langur (Presbytis hosei) is a primate species in the Cercopithecidae family native to the island of Borneo, which includes Brunei, Kalimantan (Indonesia), and eastern Malaysia. The species was first identified in 1985 in Sangkulirang Peninsula and Kutai National Park in East Kalimantan, Indonesia.
Humboldt’s Night Monkey
Species Name: Aotus trivirgatus
The three-striped night monkey (Aotus trivirgatus), also known as the northern owl monkey, Humboldt's Night Monkey, or northern night monkey, is one of several currently recognized species of owl monkeys.
Humboldt’s Squirrel Monkey
Species Name: Saimiri cassiquiarensis
Humboldt's squirrel monkey (Saimiri cassiquiarensis) is a species of squirrel monkey found in South America's tropical rainforests, except for the coastal forests of southeastern Brazil.
Humboldt’s White Capuchin
Species Name: Cebus albifrons
Humboldt's white capuchins, also known as white-fronted capuchins, are a species of New-World monkeys and one of the smallest capuchin groups. Humboldt’s squirrel monkeys are usually led by a dominant male and female.
Humboldt’s Woolly Monkey
Species Name: Lagothrix lagothricha
Humboldt's woolly monkey, common woolly monkey, or brown woolly monkey (Lagothrix lagothricha) is a woolly monkey endemic to South America. Humboldt's woolly monkeys can show subtle mood swings and intentions with various facial expressions.
Illiger’s Saddle-Back Tamarin
Species Name: Leontocebus illigeri
(Leontocebus illigeri) is a species of saddleback tamarin, a type of small monkey native to South America. Illiger's saddleback tamarin is native to the Peruvian Amazon, and its type locality is in Loreto, Peru, on the left bank of the lower Ucayali River.
Indochinese Black Langur
Species Name: Trachypithecus ebenus
The Indochinese black langur (Trachypithecus selbstus) is a little-known Lutung endemic to Laos and neighboring Vietnam. Because they live in dense forests and rarely venture outside, observing them in the wild can be difficult.
Indochinese Grey Langur
Species Name: Trachypithecus crepusculus
The Indochinese gray langur (Trachypithecus crepusculus) is a species of Lutung native to Southeast and East Asia. This species was once thought to be conspecific with the Phayre's leaf monkey (Trachypithecus phayrei).
Isabel’s Saki
Species Name: Pithecia isabela
Isabel's Saki (Pithecia isabela) is a New World monkey species, native to a small part of northern Peru. The species was named in honor of Isabel Godin des Odonais, an 18th-century Ecuadorian noblewoman who traveled across South America to find her husband.
Japanese Macaque
Species Name: Macaca fuscata
The Japanese macaque (Macaca fuscata), also called the snow monkey, is a terrestrial Old World species of monkeys endemic to Japan. Japanese macaques from southern regions generally weigh less than those in northern regions of higher altitudes, where there is more snow during the winter months.
Javan Surili
Species Name: Presbytis comata
The grizzled surili (Presbytis comata) is a threatened species of Old World monkey native to the western half of Java, Indonesia, a biodiversity hotspot. The grizzled surili engages in 3 to 4 foraging and feeding fights throughout the day.
Kaapori Capuchin
Species Name: Cebus kaapori
The Kaapori capuchin (Cebus kaapori) also known as Ka'apor Capuchin, is a capuchin monkey native to Brazil. Previously considered a subspecies of the wedge-capped capuchin monkey (Cebus olivaceus), it was elevated to species status recently.
Kashmir Gray Langur
Species Name: Semnopithecus ajax
The Kashmir gray langur is an Old-World monkey, one of the species of langurs. The Kashmiri gray langur derives its scientific name, Semnopithecus ajax, from a character in the ancient Greek poem - The Iliad - set during the Trojan War.
Kinda Baboon
Species Name: Papio kindae
The Kinda baboon (Papio kindae) is a species of baboon found in the Miombo forests of Angola, Zambia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and possibly western Tanzania. The species is named after the town in the southern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
King Colobus
Species Name: Colobus polykomos
The king colobus (Colobus polykomos), also called the western black and white colobus is a species of Old World monkey found in lowland and montane rainforests.
Lake Baptista Titi
Species Name: Plecturocebus baptista
The Lake Baptista titi, Plecturocebus baptista, is a species of titi, a New World monkey native to Brazil. Lake Baptista Titi was initially described as Callicebus baptista in 1939.
Lang’s Red Colobus
Species Name: Piliocolobus langi
Lang's red colobus (Piliocolobus langi) is another species of red colobus monkey. Historically, it was treated as a subspecies of the Central African red colobus (Piliocolobus foai). Still, more recent taxonomies generally treat it as a distinct species.
Laotian Langur
Species Name: Trachypithecus laotum
The Laotian langur (Trachypithecus laotum), also known as white-browed black langur, is another primate species that nest in small limestone caves and holes that shelter from predators, rain, and cold.
Lesser Spotted-Nosed Monkey
Species Name: Cercopithecus petaurista
The lesser spotted-nosed monkey, lesser spotted monkey, or lesser white-nosed monkey (Cercopithecus petaurista) is a primate species in the Cercopithecidae family. The lesser spotted-nosed monkey is diurnal, arboreal, and cryptic.
Lesson’s Saddle-Back Tamarin
Species Name: Leontocebus fuscus
Lesson's Saddle-Back Tamarin (Leontocebus fuscus) is a small New-world monkey endemic to South America. Its type locality is in Colombia, on the plains of Mocoa, Putumayo, between the Caquetá River and the Putumayo River.
Lion-Tailed Macaque
Species Name: Macaca silenus
The lion-tailed macaque (Macaca silenus), also known as the wanderoo, is an Old World monkey native to the Western Ghats of South India. Lion-tailed macaques are diurnal and arboreal.
Lomami Red Colobus
Species Name: Piliocolobus parmentieri
The Lomami red colobus (Piliocolobus parmentieri) is native to central Africa. The Lomani red colobus monkey has a restricted range in the lowland rainforest between the Lomani River and the Lualaba River in the central Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Lowe’s Mona Monkey
Species Name: Cercopithecus lowei
Lowe's Mona monkey (Cercopithecus lowei) is an Old-World monkey in the Cercopithecidae family found from Ghana to the Ivory Coast. Lowe's Mona monkeys generally consist of one male and several females.
Lucifer Titi
Species Name: Cheracebus lucifer
Lucifer Titi (Cheracebus lucifer) is a species of Titi, a New World monkey endemic to South America. It is found in Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, and Brazil. This yellow-handed Titi was described as Callicebus lucifer in 1914.
Madidi Titi
Species Name: Plecturocebus aureipalatii
The Madidi titi also called the Golden Palace monkey, is a titi, a New World species of monkey discovered in 2004 in Madidi National Park in western Bolivia. The species got its name, Golden Palace, from an online casino after an auction.
Malbrouck
Species Name: Chlorocebus cynosuros
The Malbrouck (Chlorocebus cynosuros) is an Old-World primate from Africa that belongs to the Chlorocebus genus. The species is sometimes classified as a subspecies of the green monkey (Chlorocebus pygerythrus) or the common grivet (Chlorocebus aethiops).
Mantled Guereza
Species Name: Colobus guereza
The mantled guereza (Colobus guereza), also known as the guereza, Abyssinian black-and-white colobus, or eastern black-and-white colobus, is a black-and-white colobus, a species of Old World monkey. The mantled guerezas are typically diurnal.
Mantled Howler Monkey
Species Name: Alouatta palliata
The Mantled howler monkey (Alouatta palliata) is a species of howler monkey, a New World monkey native to South and Central America. The species gets its name "mantled" from the long, protective hairs on its sides.
Maranhão Red-Handed Howler
Species Name: Alouatta ululata
The Maranhão red-handed howler (Alouatta ululata) is native to forests (e.g., Babaçu forests) in the northeastern Brazilian states of Piauí, Maranhão, and Ceará. Red-handed howler monkeys are among the least studied species of all howler monkeys.
Marca’s Marmoset
Species Name: Mico marcai
The Marca marmoset (Mico marcai) is a native endemic to the Amazon in the Aripuanã-Manicoré interfluvium of Brazil. Marca marmosets that submit to a dominant individual show this by baring their teeth and laying their ears flat.
Maroon Langur
Species Name: Presbytis rubicunda
Endemic to the jungles of Borneo in Indonesia and Malaysia, red leaf monkeys get their name from their shaggy reddish-maroon fur. They are also known as maroon-leaf monkeys and maroon langurs.
Martins’ Tamarin
Species Name: Saguinus martinsi
Martin's tamarin (Saguinus martinsi) or Martin's ochraceous bare-faced tamarin, is native to Brazil. These tamarins are distinguished from other New World monkeys by their small size and modified claws instead of nails on all digits except the big toe.
Maués Marmoset
Species Name: Mico mauesi
The Maués marmoset (Mico mauesi) is a marmoset native to Brazil. It is only found on the western bank of the Maués Açu River in the state of Amazonas. Maués marmosets are arboreal and diurnal, spending most of their lives in trees.
Mentawai Langur
Species Name: Presbytis potenziani
Mentawai Langur is also called the Long-Tailed Langur, and it is native to the Mentawai Islands in Indonesia. The pelage of Mentawai langur is medium length, longer on the back of the shoulders and anterior of the flanks and shorter on the face, neck, abdomen, and under the thighs.
Midas Tamarin
Species Name: Saguinus midas
The Midas tamarin (Saguinus midas), also called the red-handed tamarin or golden-handed tamarin is a New-World monkey in the Callitrichidae family. Midas tamarin is also known as golden tamarin or red-handed tamarin. This attests to the remarkably vivid colors of the feet and hands.
Miller’s Langur
Species Name: Presbytis canicrus
Miller's Langur (Presbytis canicrus), also called the Kutai Gray Langur, is the rarest of the four Hosei subspecies, all of which are native to the island of Borneo. One of the world's most endangered primates, Miller's langur, was once considered extinct until it was rediscovered in 2013.
Miller’s Saki
Species Name: Pithecia milleri
Miller's Saki (Pithecia milleri), also called Miller's monk saki, is a species of the saki family, a type of New World monkey. Miller's sakis are diurnal and quadrupedal leapers. They usually move on all fours but can be seen swinging bipedally on large branches before leaping to another tree.
Milton’s Titi
Species Name: Plecturocebus miltoni
Milton's titi (Plecturocebus miltoni) also called the fire-tailed titi monkey, is a species of titi, a type of New World monkey from the Amazon rainforest of southern Brazil.
Miss Waldron’s Red Colobus
Species Name: Piliocolobus waldronae
Miss Waldron's red colobus (Piliocolobus waldronae) is endemic to West Africa. Miss Waldron's red colobus was discovered in December 1933 by Willoughby P. Lowe, a collector at the British Museum (Natural History).
Mitered Langur
Species Name: Presbytis mitrata
The mitered langur has brown or gray fur on its back, darker, while it is even darker on its belly and the arms, legs, and tail. These Indonesian primates live in groups of 1 male with 5 to 17 females.
Mittermeier’s Tapajós Saki
Species Name: Pithecia mittermeieri
Mittermeier's Tapajós Saki (Pithecia mittermeieri) is a disputed species of saki monkey, a type of New World monkey. Populations of this species were previously classified as Tapajós River saki (Pithecia irrorata). Still, a 2014 study described these populations as a separate species, Pithecia mittermeieri, based on their distinctive fur.
Mona Monkey
Species Name: Cercopithecus mona
The Mona monkey (Cercopithecus mona) is an Old World monkey living between Cameroon and Ghana in West Africa. Mona monkeys live in large groups of 5 to 50 individuals.
Moor Macaque
Species Name: Macaca maura
The moor macaque (Macaca maura) is a brown/black haired macaque with a pale rump and bare pink rump skin. Moor macaques appear to be a relatively tolerant macaque species, showing low levels of aggression between group members.
Mottle-faced Tamarin
Species Name: Saguinus inustus
The Mottle-faced tamarin (Saguinus inustus) is endemic to South America. The Mottle-Faced tamarin monkey gets its name from its mottled face, which means their faces have spots.
Mount Kilimanjaro Guereza
Species Name: Colobus caudatus
The Mount Kilimanjaro guereza (Colobus caudatus) is one of the 7 subspecies of the mantled guereza. It is found in Kenya and Tanzania in the forests surrounding Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro.
Moustached Guenon
Species Name: Cercopithecus cephus
The mustached monkey or moustached guenon (Cercopithecus cephus) is a primate species in the Cercopithecidae family. Moustached monkeys take regular paths through the branches, with each monkey following the next along the same path.
Moustached Tamarin
Species Name: Saguinus mystax
Moustached tamarins, also known as black-chested moustached tamarins and Spyx's moustached tamarins, are native to Peru and Brazil. These monkeys are found in all strata of the lowland Amazon rainforest. The moustached tamarin gets its name from the lack of coloration in the facial hair around the mouth, which resembles a mustache.
Munduruku Marmoset
Species Name: Mico munduruku
The Munduruku marmoset (Mico munduruku) is a marmoset native to Brazil. It is only found in the southern Amazon over an area of about 120,000 km square, from the right bank of the Jamanxim River below the mouth of the Novo River to the mouth of the Tapajós River.
Myanmar Snub-nosed Monkey
Species Name: Rhinopithecus strykeri
The Myanmar snub-nosed monkey or black snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus strykeri) is an endangered Colobino monkey species discovered in northern Burma (Myanmar) in 2010. These Asian primates' tails are relatively long, usually around 1.4 times their body length.
Nancy Ma’s Night Monkey
Species Name: Aotus nancymaae
Nancy Ma's Night Monkey (Aotus nancymaae) is a species of night monkey from South America. Nancy Ma's night monkeys are social. They form small groups of 2 to 5 individuals, all directly related to each other.
Natuna Island Surili
Species Name: Presbytis natunae
The Natuna Island Surili (Presbytis natunae) is a primate species in the Cercopithecidae family. The species is native to the Indonesian island of Natuna Besar. The species is native to the Indonesian island of Natuna Besar.
Neblina Uakari
Species Name: Cacajao hosomi
The Neblina uakari (Cacajao hosomi), black-headed uakari, is a recently described monkey species from the extreme northwest of the Brazilian Amazon and adjacent southern Venezuela. Neblina uakari's English name refers to the Pico da Neblina, which marks its known distribution approximate center.
Nepal Gray Langur
The Nepal gray langur (Semnopithecus schistaceus) is a gray langur native to the Himalayas of Nepal, extreme southwestern Tibet, northern Pakistan, northern India, Bhutan, and possibly Afghanistan. The Nepal gray langur is both terrestrial and arboreal.
Niger Delta Red Colobus
Species Name: Piliocolobus epieni
The Niger Delta red colobus (Piliocolobus epieni) is a critically endangered colobus native to the western part of the Niger Delta in southern Nigeria. The scientific name of the Niger Delta red colobus, Piliocolobus epieni, comes from the local Ijaw language word for the species, "epieni".
Nilgiri Langur
Species Name: Semnopithecus johnii
The Nilgiri langur (Semnopithecus johnii), also called the black-leaf monkey, John's langur, and Indian hooded leaf monkey is a langur (a species of Old-World monkey) found in the Nilgiri foothills of the Western Ghats in southern India.
North Sumatran Leaf Monkey
Species Name: Presbytis thomasi
The North Sumatran leaf monkey (Presbytis thomasi), also called Thomas's langur, is a primate species in the Cercopithecidae family. The North Sumatran leaf monkeys spend most of the day in groups resting, moving, or feeding.
Northern Muriqui
Species Name: Brachyteles hypoxanthus
The northern muriquí (Brachyteles hypoxanthus) is an endangered species of woolly spider monkey or muriquí endemic to Brazil. When searching for fruit and leaves in tall trees, these monkeys use their tails for support.
Northern Pig-tailed Macaque
Species Name: Macaca leonina
The northern pig-tailed macaque (Macaca leonina) is a macaque species in the Cercopithecidae family. Typical of this group of Old World monkeys, northern pig-tailed monkeys are gregarious, living in social groups of 9-81 individuals.
Olive Baboon
Species Name: Papio anubis
The Olive baboon (Papio anubis), also called the Anubis baboon, is a species of the Cercopithecidae family of Old-World monkeys. The name comes from the Egyptian god Anubis.
Olive Colobus
Species Name: Procolobus verus
The olive colobus (Procolobus verus), also called the Van Beneden's colobus or green colobus is a primate species in the Cercopithecidae family. It is the smallest specimen of all the Colobine monkeys. It is rarely seen in its natural habitat due to its secretive nature and cryptic coloration.
Ollala Brothers’ Titi
Species Name: Plecturocebus olallae
The Ollala Brothers' titi (Plecturocebus olallae) is a marmoset species of New World monkeys native to Bolivia. Like all Neotropical primates (except Aotus), the Ollala brothers' titi monkeys are highly diurnal.
Ornate Titi
Species Name: Plecturocebus ornatus
The ornate titi (Plecturocebus ornatus) is a species of titi and the smallest member of the Pitheciidae family, including the uakari and saki monkeys. Ornate titis have a monogamous mating system. A couple has a strong bond and stays together for years.
Oustalet’s Red Colobus
Species Name: Piliocolobus oustaleti
(Piliocolobus oustaleti) is another species of red colobus that lives in various forest types in the southern Central African Republic, southern South Sudan, northern Democratic Republic of the Congo, and northeastern Congo.
Pagai Island Macaque
Species Name: Macaca pagensis
The Pagai island macaque (Macaca pagensis), also called the Pagai or Bokkoi macaque is an Old-World monkey native to the Mentawai Islands on the west coast of Sumatra. Groups of Pagai Island macaques consist of approximately 5 to 25 individuals.
Pale-Thighed Langur
Species Name: Presbytis siamensis
The pale-thighed surili (Presbytis siamensis), also called the white-thighed langur, is a primate species in the Old World monkey family (Cercopithecidae). Pale-thighed langurs are savvy herbivores; it's fun to say they only eat plants and have a fussy palate, with a preference for young leaves, seeds, and fruits.
Panamanian Night Monkey
Species Name: Aotus zonalis
The Panamanian night monkey or Chocoan night monkey (Aotus zonalis) is a species of night monkey formerly considered a subspecies of the grey-bellied night monkey in the Aotidae family. Panamanian night monkeys are sympatric with other species. They do not compete for resources with other animals in their range due to their alternate schedules.
Panamanian White-faced Capuchin
Species Name: Cebus imitator
The Panamanian white-faced capuchin (Cebus mimic), also called the Panamanian white-headed capuchin or the Central American white-faced capuchin is a mid-sized New World monkey in the Cebidae family. Native to Central American forests, the Panamanian white-faced capuchin is vital to rainforest ecology for its role in seed and pollen dispersal.
Parecis Titi
Species Name: Plecturocebus parecis
The Parecis titi (Plecturocebus parecis) is a species of titi, a New World monkey native to Brazil. The range of the new species is in the deforestation arc of the Amazon, where large tracts of forest are being destroyed for timber, settlements, and industrial agriculture.
Patas Monkey
Species Name: Erythrocebus patas
The Patas Monkey (Erythrocebus patas), also called the Hussar Monkey or Wadi Monkey is a terrestrial monkey distributed in semi-arid areas of West and East Africa. The patas monkey lives in multi-female groups of about 60 individuals (although much larger aggregations have been reported).
Pennant’s Red Colobus
Species Name: Piliocolobus pennantii
Pennant's Colobus or Pennant's Red Colobus (Piliocolobus pennantii) is a species of arboreal primate in the Cercopithecidae family. Like other red colobus monkeys, the Pennant's red colobus lives in flocks that may consist of 12 to 80 individuals occupying a territory of 25 to 150 hectares.
Peruvian Spider Monkey
Species Name: Ateles chamek
Peruvian spider monkeys, like other Ateles species, have a prehensile tail that can be used to facilitate brachiation. Typically, Peruvian spider monkeys have completely black fur and complexions, unlike the lighter red-faced black spider monkey.
Peruvian White-fronted Capuchin
Species Name: Cebus yuracus
The Peruvian white-fronted capuchin or Marañón white-fronted capuchin (Cebus yuracus) is a species of gracile capuchin monkey native to the upper Amazon basin. Peruvian white-fronted capuchin monkeys live in multi-male, multi-female groups of 5 to 18 individuals, with approximately equal numbers of males and females.
Peruvian Yellow-tailed Woolly Monkey
Species Name: Lagothrix flavicauda
The Peruvian yellow-tailed woolly monkey (Lagothrix flavicauda), also called the yellow-tailed woolly monkey, is a New World monkey native to Peru. Peruvian yellow-tailed woolly monkey is among the rarest Neotropical primates and one of the largest mammals endemic to Peru.
Phayre’s Langur
Species Name: Trachypithecus phayrei
Phayre's leaf monkey (Trachypithecus phayrei), also called the Phayre's langur, is a species of Lutung endemic to South and Southeast Asia. The name commemorates the late Sir Arthur Purves Phayre, a lieutenant general in the British Indian Army and commissioner of the entire province of former British Burma.
Pig-tailed Langur
Species Name: Simias concolor
The pig-tailed langur (Simias concolor), monotypic in the Simias genus, is a great Old-World monkey native to several small islands off Sumatra, Indonesia. Adult pig-tailed langurs have black faces and small, turned-up noses.
Pissinatti’s Bald-faced Saki
Species Name: Pithecia pissinattii
Pissinatti's Sakior or Pissinatti's bald-faced saki (Pithecia pissinattii), is a controversial species of saki monkey, a New World monkey. This species is named after Alcides Pissinatti, a Brazilian veterinarian who pioneered the breeding of endangered Brazilian primates.
Popa Langur
Species Name: Trachypithecus popa
Popa langur (Trachypithecus popa) is a primate species in the Cercopithecidae family. It occurs exclusively in Myanmar. The species is named after Mount Popa, where a population of 100 monkeys lives.
Preuss’s Monkey
Species Name: Allochrocebus preussi
The Preuss's monkey (Allochrocebus preussi) also called the Preuss's guenon is a diurnal primate that inhabits terrestrial montane forests (up to 2,500 meters) in eastern Nigeria, western Cameroon, and Bioko in Equatorial Guinea.
Preuss’s Red Colobus
Species Name: Piliocolobus preussi
Preuss's red colobus (Piliocolobus preussi) is native to the Cross-Sanaga Rivers eco-region. These old-world monkeys are restricted to small areas in Cameroon and Nigeria but once occupied a much larger area.
Prince Bernhard’s Titi
Species Name: Plecturocebus bernhardi
Prince Bernhard's Titi (Plecturocebus bernhardi) is a species of titi in the subfamily Callicebinae. It is a species of New World monkey native to Brazil. The species is named after Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands, a naturalist who established the Order of the Golden Ark to honor conservationists worldwide.
Proboscis Monkey
Species Name: Nasalis larvatus
The proboscis monkey (Nasalis larvatus) is an Old World arboreal species with an unusually large nose, reddish-brown skin color, and a long tail. The proboscis monkey is a large species and one of the largest old-world monkey species native to Asia.
Purple-faced Langur
Species Name: Semnopithecus vetulus
The purple-faced langur (Semnopithecus vetulus), also called the purple-faced leaf monkey, is an Old World species native to Sri Lanka. The purple-faced langur is found in the closed forests of Sri Lanka's mountains and in the southwestern part of the country known as the 'wetland'.
Pygmy Marmoset (Finger Monkey)
Species Name: Cebuella pygmaea
The pygmy marmoset (smallest monkey), genus Cebuella (also known as Finger Monkey), is a small genus of New-World monkeys endemic to the tropical rainforests of the western Amazon Basin in South America. Pygmy marmosets are also highly territorial, using scent glands to mark territories of up to 100 hectares.
Red Howler Monkey
Species Name: Alouatta seniculus
The Colombian red howler or Venezuelan red howler is a South American species of howler monkey, a New World species of monkey found in the western Amazon basin. Colombian red howler monkeys live in relatively large social groups composed of around 10 individuals, with just one or possibly two of the individuals being male.
Red-backed Bearded Saki
Species Name: Chiropotes sagulatus
The red-backed bearded saki (Chiropotes chiropotes), also known as Guianan Bearded Saki, is a New World monkey native to South America. They live in groups of about 40 members of both sexes, sometimes separated into groups when traveling or foraging, their primary occupation.
Red-bellied Monkey
Species Name: Cercopithecus erythrogaster
The red-bellied monkey (Cercopithecus erythrogaster), also called the red-bellied guenon or white-throated guenon is a diurnal primate living in the trees of tropical rainforests or tropical areas in Benin and Nigeria. The red-bellied monkey was once considered extinct due to constant hunting for fur on its unique red belly and white front legs.
Red-bellied Titi
Species Name: Plecturocebus moloch
The Red-bellied titi (Plecturocebus moloch) is a marmoset species of New World monkey native to Brazil. It lives in thickets and forests. Like other titis, red-bellied titi is territorial and emits vocal cries to mark its territory and scare other animals.
Red-Chested Mustached Tamarin
Species Name: Saguinus labiatus
The Red-chested mustached tamarin (Saguinus labiatus), also known as Red-bellied Tamarin, is a tamarin that lives in the Amazon region of Brazil, Peru, and Bolivia. The red belly of these New World monkeys is their most striking external feature.
Red-eared Guenon
Species Name: Cercopithecus erythrotis
The red-eared guenon (Cercopithecus erythrotis), also called the russet-eared guenon or red-eared monkey is endemic to the tropical and subtropical lowland rainforests of Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, and Cameroon.
Red-handed Howler
Species Name: Alouatta belzebul
The red-handed howler monkey (Alouatta belzebul) is an endangered species of howler monkey, a New World species. Red-handed howler monkeys are diurnal, although they spend most of the day (up to 80%) sleeping on tree branches with members of their squad.
Red-headed Titi
Species Name: Cheracebus regulus
The red-headed titi (Cheracebus regulus) (also known as Juruá Collared Titi) is a marmoset species of New World monkey endemic to Brazil. Red-headed titi monkeys are diurnal and arboreal, waking up and sleeping with the sun.
Red-mantled Saddle-Back Tamarin
Species Name: Leontocebus lagonotus
The Red-mantled saddleback tamarin (Leontocebus lagonotus) is a species of saddleback tamarin, a species of small South American monkey. The Red-mantled saddle-back tamarin lives in Peru and Ecuador, and its type locality is in Peru, near the confluence of the Amazon and Napo.
Red-Shanked Douc Langur
Species Name: Pygathrix nemaeus
The red-shanked douc langur is an Old-World monkey species that is one of the most colorful primates. Red-shanked douc langurs are genetically similar to gray-shanked douc langurs; however, they are considered a different species due to their different biological characteristics.
Rhesus Macaque
Species Name: Macaca mulatta
The rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta), commonly known as the rhesus monkey, is a species of Old-World monkey. Rhesus monkeys are diurnal animals, both arboreal and terrestrial.
Rio Acari Marmoset
Species Name: Mico acariensis
The Rio Acari marmoset (Mico acariensis) is endemic to Brazil. It was first described in the year 2000. These Brazilian monkeys use their specialized claws to forcefully grip tree trunks and gnaw small holes in the bark with their lower incisors and canines.
Rio Beni Titi
Species Name: Plecturocebus modestus
The Rio Beni tití is a New World monkey species belonging to the genus Callicebus of the family Pitheciidae. It is native to Bolivia and is found mainly in the eastern parts of Bolivia in the upper basins of the Mamoré and Grande rivers.
Río Cesar White-fronted Capuchin
Species Name: Cebus cesarae
The Río Cesar white-fronted capuchin (Cebus cesarae) is a gracile capuchin monkey native to the Cesar River Valley in northern Colombia. Like other monkeys of the genus Cebus, the Río Cesar white-fronted capuchin is named after the order of the Friar Capuchins because the crests of these friars closely resemble the coloring of the monkey's head.
Rio Mayo Titi
Species Name: Plecturocebus oenanthe
The Río Mayo titi (Plecturocebus oenanthe), also known as the San Martín titi, is native to the San Martín region of Peru and is considered Peru's most endangered primate. Río Mayo titis have been described as somewhat temperamental and hesitant and don't tend to be inquisitive.
Robinson’s Banded Langur
Species Name: Presbytis robinsoni
Robinson's banded langur (Presbytis robinsoni), also known as Robinson's banded surili, is a monkey species in the Cercopithecidae family. Robinson Banded Langurs are generally shy and alert creatures, rarely leaving the comfort of the canopy.
Robust Capuchin Monkey
Species Name: Sapajus robustus
Robust capuchin monkeys, also called crested capuchin monkeys, are capuchin monkeys of the Sapajus genus. Some crested capuchin species are known to use stone tools in the wild. These are used to crack nuts and other seeds, dried fruits, and even oysters.
Roloway Monkey
Species Name: Cercopithecus roloway
Roloway monkeys (Cercopithecus roloway), also called Roloway guenons, are Old World monkeys native to Ghana and the Ivory Coast. Roloway monkeys resemble Diana monkeys in appearance, a species with which they were once confused.
Rondon’s Marmoset
Species Name: Mico rondoni
Rondon's Marmoset (Mico rondoni), also called the Rondônia marmoset, is a small species of monkey in the Callitrichidae family found in the southwestern Amazon of Brazil. Rondon's marmoset was only described in 2010, and its name refers to the famous Amazon explorer Cândido Rondon.
Roosmalens’ Dwarf Marmoset
Species Name: Mico humilis
The Roosmalens dwarf marmoset, also called the black-crowned pygmy marmoset or black-crowned dwarf marmoset, is a New-World monkey endemic to the Amazon rainforest.
Ryland’s Bald-faced Saki
Species Name: Pithecia rylandsi
The Ryland's Bald-Faced Saki (Pithecia rylandsi) is a controversial species of saki monkey, a New World monkey species. It is one of the largest sakis. This South American monkey was named after Brazilian primatologist Anthony Rylands, a former professor of vertebrate zoology at the Federal University of Minas Gerais and founding editor of the journal Neotropical Primates.
Saban Grizzled Langur
Species Name: Presbytis sabana
Saban Grizzled Langur was once thought to be a subspecies of the Hose's langur, Presbytis hosei (as Presbytis hosei sabana). The Saban grizzled langur is endemic to the island of Borneo in the Malaysian province of Sabah, with part of its range in Indonesia.
Sanje Mangabey
Species Name: Cercocebus sanjei
Sanje mangabey, also called the Sanje crested mangabey and Sanje River mangabey, are Old World monkeys endemic to Tanzania, a sovereign state in East Africa. Some Sanje mangabeys prefer their own company to that of others and live alone.
Santa Marta White-fronted Capuchin
Species Name: Cebus malitiosus
The Santa Marta white-fronted capuchin (Cebus malitiosus) is a species of gracile capuchin monkey native to Colombia. The Santa Marta white-fronted capuchin range is restricted to forests near northern Colombia's northwestern base of the Sierra de Santa Marta.
Santarem Marmoset
Species Name: Mico humeralifer
The Santarem marmoset (Mico humeralifer), also called the black-and-white tassel marmoset, is a marmoset native to the Amazon and Pará states of Brazil. Santarem marmosets make long cries with their rapidly vibrating tongue, designed to sound like a cricket, and shorter chirps.
Satéré Marmoset
Species Name: Mico saterei
The Satéré marmoset (Mico saterei) is native to Brazil and its genus is characterized by claw-like nails rather than the flat nails of other primates, long lower incisors, a specialized caecum, and squirrel-like movements in trees.
Schmidt’s Red-tailed Monkey
Species Name: Cercopithecus ascanius
The Schmidt's red-tailed monkey, also called the red-tailed guenon, Schmidt's guenon, or black-cheeked white-nosed monkey is a primate species in the Cercopithecidae family. The Schmidt's red-tailed monkey is named for its red coloration on the underside of its tail, as well as the bicolor coloration of its tail as the reddish color increases from the base to the tip.
Sclater’s Guenon
Species Name: Cercopithecus sclateri
(Cercopithecus sclateri), also called the Sclater monkey and Nigerian monkey is an Old-World monkey. Sclater's guenon is an Old-World monkey first described by Reginald Innes Pocock in 1940 and named for zoologist and ornithologist Philip Sclater.
Selangor Silvered Langur
Species Name: Trachypithecus selangorensis
The Selangor silvered langur (Trachypithecus selangorensis) is a leaf monkey living on the west coast of the Malay Peninsula. Like most leaf monkeys, the Selangor silvered langur usually lives in groups of a single adult male and several adult females and their young offspring.
Semliki Red Colobus
Species Name: Piliocolobus semlikiensis
The Semliki red colobus (Piliocolobus semlikiensis) is native to central Africa. The Semliki red colobus lives in the ironwood forest of the northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo between the Rwenzori Mountains and the Semliki River valley.
Shan State Langur
Species Name: Trachypithecus melamerus
Shan State Langur was generally considered a subspecies or a synonym of Phayre's leaf monkey (Trachypithecus phayrei) until Roos et al. elevated it to species status in 2020.
Shock-headed Capuchin
Species Name: Cebus cuscinus
The shock-headed capuchin (Cebus cuscinus) is a gracile capuchin monkey native to Peru and Bolivia. This New-world monkey was previously classified as a subspecies of the Humboldt's capuchin (Cebus albifrons), but in 2013 Rylands and Mittermeier raised it to a separate species, following genetic studies done by Boubli et al. in 2012, and Lynch Alfaro et al. in 2010.
Shortridge’s Capped Langur
Species Name: Trachypithecus shortridgei
The Shortridge's capped langur (Trachypithecus shortridgei) is a colobine primate inhabiting low to medium evergreen and semi-evergreen forests east of the Chindwin River in northeastern Myanmar and southwestern Myanmar, China, in the Nu and Dulong valleys.
Siberut Langur
Species Name: Presbytis siberu
Siberut langurs are native to the islands of North Pagai, South Pagai, and Sipora. Siberut langurs spend over 80 percent of their time resting and foraging and only a tiny portion traveling and socializing.
Siberut Macaque
Species Name: Macaca siberu
The Siberut macaque (Macaca siberu) is an endangered macaque species native to the island of Siberut in Indonesia. It was previously thought to be conspecific with the Pagai Island macaque (Macaca pagensis), which is paler overall, but this arrangement was polyphyletic.
Sierra De Perijá White-fronted Capuchin
Species Name: Cebus leucocephalus
The Sierra de Perijá white-fronted capuchin monkey (Cebus leucocephalus) is a species of gracile capuchin monkey native to Venezuela and Colombia. The Sierra de Perijá white-fronted capuchin range is restricted to northwestern Venezuela and northern Colombia forests.
Silvered Langur
Species Name: Trachypithecus cristatus
The silvery Lutung (Trachypithecus cristatus), also called the silvery langur or silvered leaf monkey is an Old-World monkey. Silvery Lutungs primarily live in trees.
Silvery Brown Bare-face Tamarin
Species Name: Saguinus leucopus
The white-footed tamarin (Saguinus leucopus), the silvery-brown bare-faced tamarin, is native to Colombia. It is silvery brown with pale stripes and reddish underparts. It closely resembles the cotton-tipped tamarin from which it is separated by the Atrato River.
Silvery Marmoset
Species Name: Mico argentatus
The Silvery marmoset (Mico argentatus) is a New-World monkey living in the eastern Amazon rainforest of Brazil. True to its name, the silvery marmoset's body is a striking silver-grey color. Silvery marmosets are primarily arboreal species and can spend their entire lives in trees without descending to the ground.
Sooty Mangabey
Species Name: Cercocebus atys
The sooty mangabey, also called the white-collared or white-crowned mangabey is a predominantly terrestrial Old-World monkey. Sooty mangabeys remember the location of the fallen fruit and can tell whether or not a tree is bearing fruit.
Southern Muriqui
Species Name: Brachyteles arachnoides
The southern muriqui or woolly spider monkeys (Brachyteles arachnoides) are scattered across southeastern Brazil, from Bahia north to Sao Palo south. The southern muriqui is one of the largest primates in South America, with males weighing around 15 kg and females around 12 kg.
Spix’s Night Monkey
Species Name: Aotus vociferans
The Spix's night monkey (Aotus vociferans), also called the Spix's owl monkey, Colombian gray nocturnal monkey, and noisy night monkey is a species of night monkey native to South America.
Spix’s Red-handed Howler
Species Name: Alouatta discolor
Spix's Red-Handed Howler (Alouatta discolor) is a species of howler monkey endemic to the southeastern Amazon in Brazil. Spix's Red-headed Howler is currently on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Endangered Species List based on a population decline of more than 30% over the last 3 generations, mainly due to habitat loss.
Spix’s White-fronted Capuchin
Species Name: Cebus unicolor
Spix's White-fronted Capuchin (Cebus unicolor) is a species of a gracile capuchin monkey. The species is widespread in the upper Amazon basin in Peru and Brazil. It is also present in northern Bolivia. According to the genetic studies by Boubli et al., Ryland and Mittermeier elevated it to a distinct species.
Stephen Nash’s Titi
Species Name: Plecturocebus stephennashi
Stephen Nash's Titi (Plecturocebus stephennashi), also known as Stephen Nash's monkey or Nash's Titi, is a species of Titi in the family Pitheciidae. This Brazilian monkey was discovered by Marc van Roosmalen in 2001 when local fishermen brought specimens to his breeding center. It was officially described in 2002.
Stump-tailed Macaque
Species Name: Macaca arctoides
The stump-tailed macaque, also known as the bear macaque, is an Old World monkey endemic to Cambodia, northeastern India, southwestern China, Myanmar, and Laos, from northwestern Peninsular Malaysia, Vietnam, and Thailand.
Sun-Tailed Monkey
Species Name: Allochrocebus solatus
The sun-tailed monkey (Allocrocebus solatus) is among the most understudied primates in its habitat. Discovered as a new species in 1988, it is classified as a guenon, a member of the Cercopithecus genus, but later moved to the Allochrocebus genus.
Sunda Pig-Tailed Macaque
Species Name: Macaca nemestrina
The pig-tailed macaque (Macaca nemestrina), also called the Sundaland pig-tailed macaque and Sunda pig-tailed macaque is a medium-sized macaque native to southern Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Pig-tailed macaques also have long legs and hairless snouts.
Tana River Mangabey
Species Name: Cercocebus galeritus
Tana River Mangabeys are medium-sized monkeys with long, light gray hair covering most of their bodies. Tana River Mangabeys are highly social animals, living in multi-female social groups averaging 27 individuals in size.
Tana River Red Colobus
Species Name: Piliocolobus rufomitratus
The Tana River red colobus (Piliocolobus rufomitratus), also called the eastern red colobus, is a critically endangered primate species in the Cercopithecidae family. The Tana River red colobus monkeys are the only one of 18 species of red colobus that do not live in the tropical rainforest.
Tantalus Monkey
Species Name: Chlorocebus tantalus
The tantalus monkey (Chlorocebus tantalus) is an Old World monkey endemic to Africa, ranging from Ghana to Sudan. It was initially described as a subspecies of Grivet (Chlorocebus aethiops). Tantalus monkeys are very similar to vervet monkeys but are smaller in size.
Tarai Gray Langur
Species Name: Semnopithecus hector
The Tarai gray langur (Semnopithecus hector) is an Old-World monkey and was once thought to be a subspecies of the northern plains gray langur. The Latin name for Tarai gray langurs is inspired by Hector, the prince of Troy.
Tenasserim Langur
Species Name: Trachypithecus barbei
Tenasserim lutung (Trachypithecus barbei) is a species of lutung. It occurs in Thailand and Myanmar. The species derived its common name from the Tenasserim Hills.
Thollon’s Red Colobus
Species Name: Piliocolobus tholloni
The Thollon's red colobus (Piliocolobus tholloni), also called the Tshuapa red colobus, is native to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Lower Republic of the Congo. It was recognized as a separate species by Dandelot in 1974, followed by Groves in 2001.
Tibetan Macaque
Species Name: Macaca thibetana
The Tibetan macaque (Macaca thibetana), also called the Chinese stump-tailed macaque is a macaque native to eastern Tibet, eastern Guangdong, and northern Shaanxi in China. Tibetan macaques are the largest of the macaques and have a strong, muscular build with dense fur that ranges in color from gray to brown.
Tonkean Macaque
Species Name: Macaca tonkeana
Tonkean macaques also known as Tonkean black macaques, are endemic to the central part of the island of Sulawesi and the neighboring Togian Islands in Indonesia. Tonkea macaques are pretty intelligent and creative.
Tonkin Snub-Nosed Monkey
Species Name: Rhinopithecus avunculus
The Tonkin snub-nosed monkey, also known as the Dollman's snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus avunculus), is a slender-bodied Old World arboreal monkey native to northern Vietnam.
Toppin’s Titi
Species Name: Plecturocebus toppini
Toppin's Titi (Plecturocebus toppini) is a species of Titi, a species of New World monkey endemic to Bolivia, Peru, and Brazil. It got its name from Captain Toppin, who collected the type specimen of this species near the Tahuamanu River in Peru.
Toque Macaque
Species Name: Macaca sinica
The toque macaque (Macaca sinica) is a red-brown Old World monkey endemic to Sri Lanka, known as the rilewa or rilawa. Its common name refers to the strand of hair on its head that resembles a brimless hat.
Tufted Gray Langur
Species Name: Semnopithecus priam
The tufted gray langur (Semnopithecus priam), also called the Coromandel sacred langur and the Madras gray langur, is an Old-World monkey, one of the langur species. These langurs are generally shy and only descend when there is no visible danger.
Udzungwa Red Colobus
Species Name: Piliocolobus gordonorum
The Udzungwa red colobus (Piliocolobus gordonorum), also called the Iringa red colobus or the Uzungwa red colobus is endemic to Tanzania.
Ulindi River Red Colobus
Species Name: Piliocolobus lulindicus
The Ulindi River red colobus (Piliocolobus lulindicus) is native to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This Red Colobus species is named after the Ulindi River.
Ursine Colobus
Species Name: Colobus vellerosus
The white-thighed colobus (Colobus vellerosus), also known as ursine colobus, white-thighed black-and-white colobus, and Geoffroy's black-and-white colobus, is a species of primate in the Cercopithecidae family.
Ursine Howler
Species Name: Alouatta arctoidea
The Ursine howler (Alouatta arctoidea) is a species of howler monkey endemic to Venezuela and possibly Colombia. These howlers are famous for their "morning chorus".
Urubamba Brown Titi
Species Name: Plecturocebus urubambensis
The Urubamba brown titi (Plecturocebus urubambensis) is a species of Titi, a New World monkey native to Peru. This species is found east of the Tambo River and west of the Urubamba, Manú, and Madre de Dios rivers.
Uta Hick’s Bearded Saki
Species Name: Chiropotes utahicki
Uta Hick's Bearded Saki (Chiropotes utahicki) is an endangered species of bearded saki, a New World monkey species. It was named after Uta Hick, a German primatologist who cared for bearded sakis at Cologne Zoo.
Vanzolini’s Bald-faced Saki
Species Name: Pithecia vanzolinii
Vanzolini's Bald-Faced Saki (Pithecia vanzolinii) is a species of saki monkey, a species of New World monkey. Vanzolini's bald-faced saki monkey was first cataloged by naturalist Alfonso Ollala in 1936. His account describes a monkey with a long, fluffy tail and golden fur on its limbs.
Varied White-fronted Capuchin
Species Name: Cebus versicolor
The Varied white-fronted capuchin (Cebus versicolor) is a species of gracile capuchin monkey endemic to Colombia. The Varied white-fronted capuchin lives in the lowland rainforests and palm swamps of the Magdalena River Valley in northern Colombia.
Variegated Spider Monkey
Species Name: Ateles hybridus
The Variegated spider monkey or brown spider monkey (Ateles hybridus) is an endangered species of spider monkey, a species of New World monkey endemic to the forests of northwestern Venezuela and northern Colombia.
Vervet Monkey
Species Name: Chlorocebus pygerythrus
The vervet monkey (Chlorocebus pygerythrus) is an Old World monkey of the Cercopithecidae family endemic to southern and eastern Africa. Not only can vervet monkeys skilfully navigate through the treetops, but they can also swim.
Vieira’s Titi
Species Name: Plecturocebus vieirai
The Vieira's titi monkey (Plecturocebus vieirai) is a species of Titi, a New World monkey species native to north-central Brazil. They have bright reddish-brown faces with yellowish cheek hairs.
Weddell’s Saddle-Back Tamarin
Species Name: Leontocebus weddelli
The Weddell's saddle-back tamarin (Leontocebus weddelli) is a species of saddle-back tamarin, a species of small South American monkey. Weddell's saddle-back tamarins are tree dwellers. As such, they are phenomenal climbers with sharp claws that allow them to cling to the sides of trees.
Weeping Capuchin
Species Name: Cebus castaneus
The Weeping capuchin, also known as the chestnut capuchin and chestnut weeper capuchin (Cebus castaneus), is a capuchin monkey endemic to northeastern Brazil, southern Guyana, French Guiana, and Suriname. This primate is also known as Wedge-capped capuchin.
West Javan Langur
Species Name: Trachypithecus mauritius
The West Javan langur (Trachypithecus mauritius) is an Old-World monkey of the Colobinae subfamily. It was previously considered a subspecies of Trachypithecus auratus until Roos and Groves raised it to its own species.
Western Red Colobus
Species Name: Piliocolobus badius
The western red colobus (Piliocolobus badius), also called the Upper Guinean red colobus, rust red colobus, or bay red colobus is a species of Old-World monkey found in the forests of West Africa, from Senegal to Ghana.
White Marmoset
Species Name: Mico leucippe
The white marmoset (Mico leucippe), also called the golden-white bare-eared marmoset, is an endangered marmoset native to the Amazon rainforest of Pará, Brazil.
White-bellied Spider Monkey
Species Name: Ateles belzebuth
The white-bellied spider monkey (Ateles belzebuth), also called the long-haired or white-fronted spider monkey, is an endangered species of spider monkey, a species of New-World monkey. These arboreal monkeys spend most of their time in the canopy. They rarely go down. When they do, they drink water, eat dirt, traverse a treeless area, or run away from an aggressive opponent.
White-Cheeked Macaque
Species Name: Macaca leucogenys
The white-cheeked macaque (Macaca leucogenys) is found only in Medog County in southeastern Tibet and the Arunachal Pradesh state of India. The species was first discovered and described by Chinese primatologists Peng-Fei Fan, Cheng Li, and Chao Zhao in the American Journal of Primatology in 2015.
White-cheeked Spider Monkey
Species Name: Ateles marginatus
The white-cheeked spider monkey (Ateles marginatus), also known as the white-whiskered spider monkey, is a New World monkey native to the Amazon Basin of central Brazil.
White-eared Titi
Species Name: Plecturocebus donacophilus
The white-eared Titi, Plecturocebus donacophilus, also known as the Bolivian gray Titi or Bolivian Titi, is a marmoset species, a New World monkey endemic to eastern Bolivia and a region of western Brazil.
White-footed Saki
Species Name: Pithecia albicans
The white-footed Saki, also called the white Saki or buff saki, is a species of saki monkey, a New World species native to western Brazil. They hang from branches and hold on with their hind legs while eating seeds and fruits.
White-fronted Langur
Species Name: Presbytis frontata
The white-fronted surili (Presbytis frontata) is a primate species in the Cercopithecidae family, the Old World monkeys. This species prefers to eat immature leaves than more mature leaves.
White-headed Langur
Species Name: Trachypithecus leucocephalus
The white-headed langur (Trachypithecus leucocephalus) is an endangered species of langur native to Guangxi, China. As the common name suggests, a tuft of white fur covers this primate's head.
White-Headed Marmoset
Species Name: Callithrix geoffroyi
The Geoffroy's marmoset, also called Geoffrey's marmoset, white-headed marmoset, or tufted-ear marmoset is a marmoset native to the forests of eastern Brazil, where it is native to Minas Gerais, Espírito Santo, and Bahia. Geoffroy's marmosets are said to follow swarms of army ants to catch insects expelled by the ants.
White-naped Mangabey
Species Name: Cercocebus lunulatus
Cercocebus atys lunulatus now Cercocebus lunulatus, is commonly known as the white-naped, white-headed, or white-necked mangabey (confusing with the collared mangabey). These mangabeys can also distinguish between fruiting and non-fruiting trees and are more likely to approach fruiting trees.
White-nosed Saki
Species Name: Chiropotes albinasus
The white-nosed saki (Chiropotes albinasus) is bearded, a New World monkey species native to the Amazon rainforest of south-central Brazil. White-nosed sakis are sometimes found in large social groups of 18-30 individuals. Their main reason for traveling is the food search.
White-tailed Titi
Species Name: Plecturocebus discolor
White-tailed titi monkeys, also called red titi monkeys or red-crowned titis and not to be confused with coppery titi (Callicebus cupreus), also commonly known as red titi, are endemic to the dense rainforest and gallery forests of Peru and Ecuador.
White-Throated Capuchin
Species Name: Cebus capucinus
White-throated capuchins, also called the white-headed capuchins, Colombian white-throated capuchins, and white-faced capuchins, are New World monkeys native to the tropical rainforests of western Colombia, Ecuador, and Panama.
Wied’s Marmoset
Species Name: Callithrix kuhlii
The Wied's marmoset (Callithrix kuhlii), also called the Wied's black-tufted-ear marmoset, is a New World monkey that lives in the tropical and subtropical forests of eastern Brazil. Unlike other common marmosets, Wied's marmosets live in groups consisting of 4 or 5 females and 2 or 3 males (plus juveniles).
Wolf’s Mona Monkey
Species Name: Cercopithecus wolfi
The Wolf's mona monkey (Cercopithecus wolfi), also called the wolf monkey, is a colorful Old-World monkey in the Cercopithecidae family. Wolf's mona monkeys have huge cheek pouches.
Yellow Baboon
Species Name: Papio cynocephalus
The yellow baboon (Papio cynocephalus) is another baboon species in the group of Old World monkeys. They resemble the Chacma baboon but are slightly smaller and have a less elongated snout. Yellow baboons also have white fur on internal surfaces, such as their cheeks and limbs, similar to the color of the human forearm.
Yucatan Black Howler
Species Name: Alouatta pigra
The Yucatan black howler, also called the Guatemalan black howler or Central American black howler, is a New-World monkey native to Central America. The Yucatan black howler monkey is the largest species of howler monkey and among the largest monkeys in the New-World.
Zanzibar Red Colobus
Species Name: Piliocolobus kirkii
The Zanzibar red colobus (Piliocolobus kirkii) is endemic to Unguja, the main island of the Zanzibar archipelago off the coast of Tanzania. The Zanzibar red colobus, often referred to as Kirk's red colobus is named after Sir John Kirk, the British resident of Zanzibar who first spotted these creatures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common monkey?
The Rhesus macaque is one of the most common monkeys, especially in Asia. Found in diverse habitats, from grasslands to urban areas, they have a wide distribution. Another prevalent species is the Vervet monkey, native to Africa and known for its adaptability to various environments.
What is the most friendliest monkey?
The capuchin monkey is often considered the friendliest among monkey species. Renowned for its sociable behavior, intelligence, and playful nature, it frequently interacts positively with humans, making it a popular choice in the pet trade and entertainment industries. However, like all primates, they have complex needs and can be challenging to care for.
What is a monkey that starts with G?
A monkey that starts with “G” is the “Golden lion tamarin“. It’s a small New World monkey known for its bright reddish-orange fur and mane, resembling a lion’s. They are native to the Atlantic coastal forests of Brazil.
Suggested Reading:
Monkeys Starting with G
Explore all monkeys from the world of primates that start with the letter G, including Gray-Shanked Douc Langur, Golden-faced Saki, Geoffroy’s Saddleback Tamarin, Germain’s Langur, and more.
What are the two main types of monkeys?
The two types of monkeys are:
Old World Monkeys: Native to Africa and Asia, they include species like baboons, macaques, and colobus monkeys.
New World Monkeys: Found in Central and South America, they include capuchins, howler monkeys, and tamarins.
Old World Monkeys Vs. New World Monkeys
Old-world and New-world monkeys are two types of monkeys within Primates. Explore all differences between them from all aspects here.
How many types of monkeys are there in the world?
As of 2023, there are over 330 different species of monkeys in the world, classified into two main groups: Old World Monkeys and New World Monkeys.
Which is the smallest monkey?
The smallest monkey is the pygmy marmoset (Cebuella pygmaea). It weighs around 100 grams (3.5 ounces) and measures about 4.6 to 6.2 inches (11.7 to 15.8 cm) in length, excluding its tail. Native to the rainforests of the western Amazon Basin in South America, pygmy marmosets are known for their tiny size and distinctive vocalizations.
Monkeys vs. Monkies
Let’s get one of the fundamental confusion out of the way first. Is it monkeys or monkies?
When a noun word ends with “y”, there is always confusion as to whether the plural form ends with “ies” or “ys”.
Many English dictionary sources say the grammar rule is simple. When a noun ends with a vowel followed by y, the plural form gets an “s”; otherwise, it would end with “ies”.
For instance, the plural form of “Dictionary” is “Dictionaries”.
Based on that principle, the plural form of monkey is indeed monkeys.
First Grouping of Primates
An English biologist, St. George Jackson Mivart first published the classification of primates in his book ‘Man and Apes’ in 1873[1]. His categorization of monkeys was based purely on anatomical differences, habits, and geographical distribution. According to this book, the early classification of order Primates contained two sub-groups, namely:
- Group-1: Man, and all the apes, which were first called Anthropoidea.
- Group-2: All Lemurs and the animals most like them were called Lemuroidea; the creatures contained in it when spoken of being generally also termed “Half-apes” or “Lemuroids“.
Modern Grouping of Primates
After so many debates and further data collection and analyses and discoveries of new monkey species over a century, another British-born biological anthropologist, Robert D. Martin, currently a curator at Chicago Natural Museum, has published an excellent book called “Primate Origins and Evolution: A Phylogenetic Reconstruction” in 1994[2]. This research attempted to classify living primates into 6 different sub-groups based on geographical importance.
| 1 | Lemurs | Madagascar | |
| 2 | Lorises and bushbabies | Africa and Asia | Prosimians |
| 3 | Tarsiers | Southeast Asia | |
| 4 | Marmosets, Tamarins, Capuchins, Squirrel monkeys, Owl monkeys, Titis, Sakis, and Howlers (Ceboidea) | South and Latin America | New World Monkeys |
| 5 | Talapoins, Guenons, Baboons, Colobus, Macaques, Vervets, Geladas, Mangabeys, Langurs, Mandrills, Surili, Patas, Proboscis Monkeys (Cercopithecoids meaning “elongated apes“) | Africa and Asia | Old World Monkeys |
| 6 | Apes and humans (Hominoids) | Africa and Asia | Apes |
This primate grouping is based on grade or level of organization, and in no way does it implies any superiority or inferiority between them.
According to the fossil study in Tanzania by paleontologists in 2013[3], it became evident that the old-world monkeys (baboons, macaques) and apes (humans & chimpanzees) were already separated 25 million years ago!
Classification of Primates
Here are 4 major types of primate and their characteristics:
Prosimians
The earliest primates that roamed the earth about 25 million years before monkeys evolved were Prosimians, meaning “pre-monkeys” or “proto-primates”.
- These prosimian species live today, including lemurs, lorises, tarsiers, aye-aye, and bush babies. The prosimians were classified into order Primates mainly because their hands with flexible fingers and opposable thumbs made it possible to fetch things up.
- Most prosimians rely heavily on a sense of smell for communication and finding food. With the tarsier, eyesight has become more critical as it can swivel its head 180 degrees in each direction. On the other hand, the apes and monkeys rely primarily on their sight.
Today, Prosimians live in some parts of Asia and Africa, especially Madagascar. No prosimian species are found in the Americas or Australia.
Old-World Monkeys
Old World Monkeys are a mixed group of primates with varied body sizes (medium to large-sized), habitats, diets, social behaviors, and anatomical differences.
- All Old-World monkeys are classified under two families: Cercopithecinae and Colobinae.
- Unique characteristics-wise, Old-World monkeys have downward-pointing nostrils, tend to stay mainly on the ground than trees (non-arboreal), and have a simple digestive system with cheek pouches for plant matters. Also, these primates have a tail which makes them different from apes.
- The Old-World monkeys hail from various countries in South and East Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, except for Madagascar.
New-World Monkeys
New World monkeys are a varied group of small to medium-sized arboreal (i.e., living on trees) primates.
- These primates are restricted to the tropical forests of Southern Mexico and Central and Latin America.
- Taxonomically, New World monkeys are classified into two prominent families Cebidae and Callitricidae.
- Exclusive attributes-wise, these kinds of monkeys are primarily herbivores, twin births, and no-cheek-pouches unlike Old-World counterparts, and some have a prehensile tail (Spider monkeys).
Apes
Apes are another clade of old-world monkeys collectively called Hominoidea, native to Africa and Southeast Asian countries.
- Apes do not have tails (except L’Hoest monkey – a great ape) due to the mutation of the TXBT[4] gene cell.
- Also, apes cannot perform brachiation (arm swinging in the arboreal movements on tree tops, unlike the other three kinds listed above).
- There are two main branches of apes: gibbons (“lesser apes”) and hominids (“great apes”). Orangutans, gorillas, chimpanzees, and bonobos are examples of greater apes, whereas the lesser apes contain all types of gibbons, including Lar gibbon, Agile gibbon, Silvery gibbon, and more.
Hominoids are swift tree climbers except for gorillas and humans. Apes feed on various plants such as fruits, leaves, stalks, seeds, roots, and small animals.
Monkey Data Analysis
The BioExplorer team has explored the statistics around all 334 types of monkeys, including Old-World and New-world, and come up with some interesting data analysis and charts as a quick reference guide:
Distrbution of Old-World and New-World Monkeys:
Old-World Monkey Distribution By Species:
New-World Monkey Distribution By Species:
Monkeys Distribution By Continents:
Monkeys Distribution By Families:
Monkeys Distribution By IUCN Status:
Monkeys Distribution By Diet:
Monkeys Taxonomy Classification By Century:
Monkeys Taxonomy Classification By Year:
Types of Monkeys By Alphabets
Monkey Names Starting with A
Monkey Names Starting with C
Monkey Names Starting with E
Monkey Names Starting with G
Monkey Names Starting with I
Monkey Names Starting with K
Monkey Names Starting with M
Monkey Names Starting with O
Monkey Names Starting with R
Monkey Names Starting with T
Monkey Names Starting with V
Monkey Names Starting with Y
Monkey Names Starting with B
Monkey Names Starting with D
Monkey Names Starting with F
Monkey Names Starting with H
Monkey Names Starting with J
Monkey Names Starting with L
Monkey Names Starting with N
Monkey Names Starting with P
Monkey Names Starting with S
Monkey Names Starting with U
Monkey Names Starting with W
Monkey Names Starting with Z
Types of Monkeys By Diet
What Do Monkeys Eat?
Monkeys are divided into two groups; the Old World and New World monkeys. Explore what do monkeys eat, monkeys diet by types and what eats monkeys here.
Carnivorous Monkeys
Carnivorous monkeys strictly dine on animal matters, including birds, insects, other monkey species, and small mammals. Explore all carnivore monkeys here.
Frugivorous Monkeys
Frugivore monkeys thrive mostly on raw fruits or succulent fruit-like produce of plants such as roots, shoots, nuts, and seeds. About 7 monkey species and 1 ape within the primate order consume fruit as their primary diet. Frugivores are highly reliant on the abundance and nutritional composition of fruits.
Herbivorous Monkeys
Herbivorous monkeys dine solely on plant matters, including leaves, fruits, stems, nuts, and flowers. Here is the full listing of all herbivore Old-world and New-world monkeys (133 kinds of monkeys), including Bolivian Red Howler, Atlantic Titi, Javan Surili, Mount Kilimanjaro Guereza, and more.
Omnivorous Monkeys
Omnivore monkeys have the ability to feed and survive on plant and animal matter. These monkeys obtain energy and nutrients by extracting carbohydrates, protein, fat, and fiber from these organic matters. These monkeys are the largest number of species (216 monkey types) by population within the omnivorous diet category.
Types of Monkeys By Breeds
Colobus Monkeys
Colobus monkeys are Old world monkeys of the genus Colobus endemic to Africa. Several of the Colobus monkey species are Red Colobus monkeys.
Types of Monkeys By Colors
Albino Monkeys
Albino monkeys, also known as monkeys with albinism, lack pigmentation in their skin, hair, and eyes. Discover more about these unique creatures and their genetic condition.
Black Monkeys
Depending on the gender, certain monkey species have different skin colors. Find all black monkeys with black fur coating here.
Brown Monkeys
Many brown-colored monkeys are classified as critically endangered by the IUCN. Most of the brown monkeys hail from South America. Brown Capuchin, Brown Greater Galago, Brown Howler, Brown Lemur, brown mouse Lemur, Brown Titi, Brown-backed Bearded Saki, and Brown-mantled Tamarin are a few examples of different types of brown monkeys.
Gray Monkeys
Gray-colored monkeys are one of the commonly found monkeys in primates. Explore all types of gray monkeys here.
Orange Monkeys
Some monkey species are born with bright orange fur; the coat color would gradually turns black as they age, but some stay orange throughout life. Explore all types of orange-colored monkeys here.
White Monkeys
Here are the types of white monkeys from both Old-world and New-world types. Some of these monkeys typically have other fur color coats, such as black or orange, to make them appear very colorful.
Green/Olive-Colored Monkeys
Green Monkeys are available in different fur/skin colors. Explore all types of green monkeys, including Hamlyn’s Monkey, Olive Baboon, Malbrouck, and more.
Types of Monkeys By Habitats
Types of Rainforest Monkeys
Explore types of rainforest monkeys that are found in different rainforest regions of the world. Rainforests are biomes that have a rich flora and fauna. Animal species diversity is highest in the rainforests than anywhere else on earth.
Types of Monkeys By Countries
Angolan Monkeys
Angola is home to 13 species of Old World monkeys that make up 6 genera; however, none of these species are endemic to the country. One of the most popular species is the red-tailed monkey. Explore all Angola monkeys here.
Argentinian Monkeys
Five different species spanning 3 genera of New World monkeys can be found in Argentina, though none of them are endemic to the country. These species are generally found in forested regions, mainly in provinces like Santa Fe, Chaco, and Formosa.
Indian Monkeys
India has many cultural and religious ties with monkeys as a Hindu-dominant country. For instance, the Hanuman langur, one of India's most widespread monkey species, was named after Hanuman, a powerful part-monkey deity in Hinduism
Brazilian Monkeys
Brazil is home to 131 species of Old World and New World monkeys, with 83 being endemic to the country. Some common examples of these species that only reside in Brazil include the red-handed howler monkey (Alouatta belzebul), the buffy-headed marmoset (Callithrix flaviceps), and the crested capuchin (Sapajus robustus).
Democratic Republic of the Congo Monkeys
Democratic Republic of the Congo is also home to 35 Old World monkeys, with 18 endemic species. Some examples of these endemic species include the golden-bellied mangabey (Cercocebus chrysogaster), the wolf’s monkey (Cercopithecus wolfi), and the Ulindi river red colobus (Piliocolobus lulindicus).
Cameroon Monkeys
The nation houses 20 different species of Old World monkeys, though none of them are endemic to the country. Main monkey species that can be found in Cameroon include the olive baboon (Papio anubis), the agile mangabey (Cercocebus agilis), and the red-eared monkey (Cercopithecus erythrotis).
Borneo Monkeys & Apes
Borneo Monkeys: Borneo is the third-largest island in the world after Greenland and New Guinea. Borneo island hosts many types of monkeys & apes.
Malaysian Monkeys
Malaysia is home to various monkeys, though most are considered endangered. Some examples of these species are the stump-tailed macaque, the proboscis monkey, and the white-thighed surili.
Thailand Monkeys & Apes
Thailand is home to 13 species of monkeys, though none of them are endemic to the country; quite a few can be found across Southern Asia. Other examples of common monkey species in Thailand include the Indochinese silvered langur, the northern pig-tailed macaque, and the rhesus Monkey.
Panamian Monkeys
Panama is home to 8 species of New World monkeys, which comprise 6 genera. Examples of these species include the Panamanian night monkey (Aotus zonalis), the brown-headed spider monkey (Ateles fusciceps), and the mantled howler monkey (Alouatta palliata).
Indonesian Monkeys & Apes
Indonesia is home to 12% of all known mammal species, many of which are endemic to the country. Indonesia is also widely known to house various types of monkeys, including macaques, surilis, and langurs.
Peruvian Monkeys
Peru is home to 52 species of New-World monkeys; 13 of the species are endemic to the nation. Explore all monkeys of Peru here.
Bolivian Monkeys
Bolivia is a South American landlocked country, known as the most isolated country on the continent. The nation is also home to 25 species of New World monkeys, though just two are endemic to it: the Beni titi monkey (Plecturocebus modestus) and the Ollala Brothers’ titi (Plecturocebus olallae).
Ecuadorian Monkeys
Ecuador is home to 21 species of New-World monkeys, though none are endemic to the country. Some examples of these monkey species include the red titi monkey (Plecturocebus discolor), the Colombian white-throated capuchin (Cebus capucinus), and the saddleback tamarin (Leontocebus fuscicollis). Explore all monkeys of Ecuador.
Mexico Monkeys
Explore the unique world of Mexico's endemic primates, the Mexican Spider Monkey and the Mexican Howler Monkey. Learn about their habitats, behaviors, cultural significance, and conservation efforts to protect these endangered species.
Costa Rica Monkeys: A Journey into the Rich Biodiversity!
Explore the diverse world of Costa Rica's monkeys in our comprehensive guide. Learn about the four unique species, their habitats, threats, and conservation efforts. Discover tips for monkey spotting during your visit to this biodiversity hotspot.
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BioExplorer.net. (2023, October 02). 334 Types of Monkeys. Bio Explorer. https://www.bioexplorer.net/animals/mammals/monkeys/.
BioExplorer.net. "334 Types of Monkeys" Bio Explorer, 02 October 2023, https://www.bioexplorer.net/animals/mammals/monkeys/.
BioExplorer.net. "334 Types of Monkeys" Bio Explorer, October 02 2023. https://www.bioexplorer.net/animals/mammals/monkeys/.
