Top 14 Most Interesting Facts About Monkeys

Most wild monkeys are found in four major regions: South America, Central America, Asia, and Africa. The exception to this is the Barbary monkey, which lives on Gibraltar Island. DNA analysis reveals that this monkey species originates from North Africa.

Currently, there are only about 300 Barbary monkeys left in the wild, and local authorities may fine individuals up to 800 USD for feeding them in order to prevent the monkeys from becoming dependent on humans.

The Barbary monkeys usually give birth in late spring or early summer. By the time a baby monkey is just three days old, the mother selects a male from the group to help care for the infant. The entire group shows great interest in the new arrival, and welcoming a new member is always a momentous event.

Each male Barbary monkey typically has a few females to pursue. If the relationship is successful during the winter, the pair will bond when spring arrives. Caring for the young monkeys provides the male a prime opportunity to express affection and demonstrate his responsibility for the next generation.

Found in the Amazon River Basin of South America, the squirrel monkey holds the title of the smallest monkey species in the world, with adults weighing only about 100 grams.

This species belongs to the primate order and is one of 22 New World monkey species found mainly in South America. Squirrel monkeys are typically found in the rainforests of Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, and Colombia. Most of these monkeys are at risk of extinction, but the trend of keeping them as pets has helped protect them, though they remain wild animals and cannot be domesticated.

In their natural habitat, squirrel monkeys are incredibly fast and agile, making them difficult to spot. In captivity, however, they appear small and charming, often delighting owners who enjoy holding them, petting them, and even bottle-feeding baby squirrels. Their diet primarily consists of insects, leaves, and ripe fruits.

The baboon, also known as the dog-faced monkey, belongs to the Primate order and has evolved into five distinct species across regions from Africa's savanna to the Middle East. Baboons are among the largest monkeys in the world, with adult males weighing up to 37 kg and reaching 100 cm in height (excluding their tail). The size and weight of baboons can vary across species.

Baboons have dog-like snouts, hefty bodies, strong jaws with sharp canine teeth, and closely set eyes. They sport thick fur except on their faces and bare bottoms, which allow them to sit comfortably. Male baboons also display a distinctive large white mane. Sexual dimorphism is evident in baboons, with differences in body size, coloration, and the development of their canine teeth.

The uakari monkey, found in the Amazon rainforest, is easily recognized by its bright red face and bald head. Scientists believe this trait evolved to help uakaris fight off malaria. In general, a uakari's vibrant facial color is an indicator of good health, while those infected with malaria tend to have paler faces and struggle to find mates.

Unlike other monkeys, uakaris have very short tails, but they are exceptionally agile, moving through the trees using both hands and feet to swing between branches.

Uakaris live in large social groups with a clear hierarchy. A typical group of around 100 individuals will split into smaller feeding parties of 5 to 10 monkeys during the day, while others stand guard. At night, they sleep in the treetops. During the dry season, uakaris descend to the ground to forage for fallen seeds and fruits, but in the rainy season, when river levels rise, they remain in the trees.

The diet of the red-faced uakari mainly consists of fruits, plants, and some insects. Their strong jaws allow them to crack hard seeds to access the nutritious centers.

The capuchin monkey is believed to be the most intelligent of all monkeys in Central and South America. It is also regarded as one of the first non-chimpanzee primates to be observed using tools in the wild.

A common example of their tool use is when capuchins place a walnut on a stone and then use another stone to crack it open and get to the nut inside. Additionally, capuchins have been seen crushing multi-legged insects and rubbing them on their bodies during the mosquito-heavy seasons to avoid bites.

Their range includes Central America, the southern parts of South America, and northern Argentina. The name 'capuchin' comes from a group of Catholic monks, the Franciscans, who wore brown robes with hoods that covered their heads. Early explorers in the Americas, upon seeing the monkeys, thought their appearance resembled these monks, and thus, they were named capuchins.

For monkeys, grooming and picking insects or dirt off each other's fur isn't just about personal hygiene—it's a way to express affection and care. Of course, monkeys aren't the only animals that display this behavior. Other primates, as well as cats, parrots, horses, bats, and many other species, also show similar gestures of friendliness.

Monkeys often demonstrate their love for one another through these actions. They huddle together for warmth during cold weather, groom each other, or use their hands to search through their fur for lice, dirt, insects, or dry skin. Not only does this help them maintain cleanliness, but grooming also sends a message of friendship and connection.

However, monkeys can also experience conflict. They show aggression by baring their teeth and pulling back their lips when facing a threat. This serves as a warning to their opponent and signals their readiness to fight.

With a sound intensity reaching 128 decibels, the howler monkey's call can carry through dense forests for nearly 5 kilometers. This vocalization is an essential part of the social life of South American monkeys.

According to National Geographic, larger male howler monkeys have wide throats and a larynx shaped like a shell, amplifying their calls. The loud noise serves as a clear message to other monkeys: this territory is claimed by a dominant male.

Notably, the howler monkey holds the title for the loudest land animal vocalization. Their howls can reach 140 decibels, comparable to the sound of a gunshot or fireworks. It's no surprise that male howler monkeys use their powerful calls to attract females.

Howler monkeys are considered one of the largest species of monkeys. They were once classified in the Cebidae family but were later moved to the Atelidae family. Known for their booming calls, these monkeys can cover up to 4 kilometers on foot through dense tropical forests.

The monkeys of Japan, often affectionately called snow monkeys, have evolved to adapt to various climates, from subtropical to subarctic. One of their favorite spots is the Jigokudani Monkey Park in Yamanouchi, Nagano Prefecture.

Snow monkeys primarily soak in hot springs to stay warm during the winter, though they enjoy the baths in other seasons as well. However, hot water is not essential for their survival, as their thick fur keeps them insulated through the cold months. Instead, the baths serve as a relaxing activity, fostering a sense of community and wellbeing within their group.

Monkeys living in colder regions tend to be heavier. Males typically reach around 57 cm in height, while females are about 52 cm tall. Their tails are relatively short—around 9–10 cm for males and 8 cm for females. They have a bare, pinkish face, while their bodies are covered in thick fur, usually brown, gray, or yellow. Their fur thickens further in response to the colder weather.

For monkeys, their tails serve a crucial purpose. As most species live in trees, their tails help maintain balance when leaping from one branch to another. While the size and shape of tails vary across species, every monkey tail is capable of grasping, functioning similarly to a hand. This ability allows them to climb and maneuver through the trees. New World monkeys, in particular, have longer, more dexterous tails compared to Old World species.

Many Old World monkeys that live on the ground have short tails and rough, calloused rumps. For these monkeys, a bright pink backside is a source of pride, and they often flaunt it for others to admire.

Monkeys are versatile movers, employing three different methods of locomotion. On the ground, they use all four limbs to walk or run, while in the trees, they rely on their front limbs to swing from branch to branch. The tail plays a vital role in providing balance during these aerial maneuvers.

Monkeys have the ability to recognize faces. Studies show that both humans and monkeys share this unique skill. Monkeys use a holistic process to identify faces, much like people do.

Additionally, monkeys possess an excellent memory. Research indicates that they can recall memories in a way similar to humans. Experiments conducted on monkeys have confirmed that their memory capacity is comparable to that of humans.

Monkeys are also incredibly intelligent, with an IQ that can reach as high as 174.

The proboscis monkey has earned the title of the ugliest animal on the planet, ranking as the third ugliest. Its large, pot-bellied stomach is divided into multiple chambers, each producing different enzymes for digestion. Since leaves provide minimal nutritional value, the monkey spends its entire day foraging for leaves to fill its stomach, which only causes its belly to grow even larger.

Its massive nose, which can reach up to 18 cm, plays a crucial role in attracting females. Scientists believe that the large nose enhances the monkey's calls, making them travel farther and helping to impress potential mates while intimidating rivals. This nose also allows the proboscis monkey to make sounds that can be heard over great distances.

The proboscis monkey, also known as the long-nosed monkey, belongs to the primate family Cercopithecidae. It can be easily recognized by its long nose and lives on the islands of Borneo and other Southeast Asian regions. Additionally, its brownish-yellow fur and unique multi-chambered stomach contribute to its large, distinctive belly.

Monkeys are four-legged mammals that belong to the primate order. They are classified into three main groups: New World monkeys, Old World monkeys, and apeless monkeys. There are approximately 264 species of monkeys. Some apes, such as chimpanzees and gibbons, are often referred to as monkeys in casual conversation, although biologists do not categorize them as such. Interestingly, there is no single feature that defines all monkeys, as each species exhibits its own unique traits.

Some monkeys live on the ground, while others are tree dwellers. Their diets vary and can include fruits, insects, flowers, leaves, and even reptiles. Most monkeys have tails, though not all.

The smallest monkey species in the world weighs only 120 to 140 grams when fully grown, while the largest monkey species can reach a weight of up to 35 kilograms.

The term 'monkey' is sometimes used to refer to all members of the primate family, but in reality, monkeys belong to a completely different evolutionary branch than chimpanzees (which include species like chimpanzees, orangutans, and humans) and the prosimians (which include lemurs, tarsiers, and dwarf monkeys).

The most noticeable difference between monkeys and chimpanzees is the presence of a tail. Most monkeys have tails, whereas chimpanzees do not. Additionally, chimpanzees rely more on their eyesight than their sense of smell in daily life, so their noses are shorter and broader than those of monkeys. In their daily activities, chimpanzees or apes can often swing from branch to branch, something monkeys are generally not capable of doing.

Orangutans have the longest childhood of any species on Earth. Their mothers care for them until they reach the age of six, and in many cases, they will remain under their mother’s care for several years after. Female orangutans may stay with their mothers for over 10 years.

Among all primates, orangutan infants are the most dependent on their mothers. Typically, a mother will care for her young for 5 years, with the offspring living alongside her for up to 9 years. The pinnacle of maternal care is when the mother teaches her offspring how to climb trees.

Each night, the mother builds a new “bed” to sleep in. Over her lifetime, she will construct around 30,000 beds! Orangutan mothers guide their children in everything, from nest-building to foraging for food.