7 Fascinating Facts About Monkeys
Monkeys are primates that are mostly found in tropical rainforests. The majority of monkeys are arboreal, but some, such as macaques and baboons, are terrestrial. New World monkeys, such as spider monkeys, tamarins, and capuchins, are found in Mexico, South and Central America, and the Caribbean, whereas Old World monkeys, such as baboons, geladas, and colobus monkeys, are found in Asia and Africa. Many monkey species are on the verge of extinction.
These astute primates are found in nearly 200 different species.
Discover the most fascinating facts about monkeys, from strong prehensile tails to highly intelligent tool use.
1. Not Every Primate Is a Monkey
The term "monkey" is sometimes used as a catch-all for all animals in the primate family, but the truth is that monkeys and apes (chimps, gorillas, and humans) are on completely different branches of the evolutionary tree (i.e., lemurs, tarsiers, and lorises).
The tail is a major distinction between monkeys and other primates: most monkeys have tails, whereas apes and other primates do not. Apes are also larger than monkeys and, as a result of their larger brains, more intelligent.
2. There Are a Lot of Monkeys in Danger
Some of the most fascinating monkey species are experiencing rapid population declines due to a variety of factors based on their unique geographical location. Habitat loss and fragmentation, live capture for the global pet trade, and hunting for bushmeat or traditional medicines are the most dangerous risk factors.
Many of the world's monkeys are endangered. Several are on the IUCN's list of the world's 25 most endangered primates. The rollaway monkey, the Niger Delta red colobus, and the Cat Ba langur are among the most critically endangered Old World monkeys, with only 50 individuals remaining.
3. Grooming is used to strengthen relationships.
Picking bugs, dirt, and other debris off their companions is an expression of affection and love for monkeys, not an indictment of their personal hygiene. Grooming rituals not only keep monkeys healthy but also help them form social bonds.
Another advantage of grooming has been discovered by researchers. When vervet monkeys comb each other's pelts, the fur fluffs up and thickens. The insulation value of the vervet monkey's pelt increases by up to 50% after thorough grooming.
4. Prehensile Tails are found only in New World Monkeys.
Only howler monkeys and spider monkeys from the Atelidae family, as well as capuchins from the Cebidae family, have prehensile tails. These arboreal primates can be found in Mexico, Central America, and South America. The tails of Old World monkeys, which live in Asia and Africa, are not prehensile.
Spider monkeys and howler monkeys outnumber capuchins in terms of length and gripping ability. Spider monkeys have tails that are as long as their bodies. Their tails are also hairless and equipped with friction pads for better grip. Capuchins, who have shorter hair-covered tails, primarily use their tails to grasp branches and carry fruit through the forest.
5. In Europe, there is only one species of wild monkey.
Barbary macaques hold the distinction of being Europe's only wild nonhuman primates. While the majority of Barbary macaques live in the mountains of Morocco and Algeria, Gibraltar has a small population of around 200 individuals that was introduced and is maintained. According to DNA analysis, these macaques, which have been in Gibraltar for centuries, were originally imported from Northern Africa.
Barbary macaques are considered endangered in all parts of their range, and their population has declined by more than half in the last 24 years.
6. Pygmy Marmosets are the world's tiniest monkeys.
This tiny New World monkey is native to South America's Amazon Basin and grows to be about five inches long and four ounces in size as an adult. Pygmy marmosets (Callithrix pygmaea) live in groups of two to six people, and monogamous pairs share parental responsibilities. Females have one to three babies, which are frequently fraternal twins.
Although the pygmy marmoset is the smallest monkey, Madame Berthe's mouse lemur is the smallest living primate.
7. Mandrills Are the World's Biggest Monkeys.
Mandrills (Mandrillus sphinx), which live in the tropical rainforests of central west Africa, are easily identified by their brightly colored faces and behinds. Aside from color, mandrills have extreme sexual dimorphism in size, which distinguishes them from other monkeys. Adult female mandrills weigh around 25 pounds on average, while adult male mandrills weigh 55 pounds on average and up to 119 pounds.
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