Monkeys and Apes: a brief catalogue

Patas Monkey

Patas Monkey, E/W Africa by Ucumari Photography

They are the fastest primate on land and may reach speeds of 55 km/h (Hall, 1965).

This monkey is often credited as the inspiration for the Lorax due to its characteristic orange fur and white mustache. The Patas prefers to fight predators than to climb into trees.

Squirrel Monkey

Photo: Anita Stone

They live at elevations up to 1,200 m (3,900 ft). Due to the extremity of their rain forest habitat, they must regulate their body heat and body fluids somewhat manually to maintain homeostasis. They often live in large multi-male/multi-female groups of up to 500.

Mandrill Monkey

Image credits: Curioso/Shutterstock

They are the heaviest living monkeys in the world. It was once considered a Baboon but was found to be more related to the Mangabey, so they received their own genus Mandrillus.

No other member in the whole class of mammals is colored in so extraordinary a manner as the adult male mandrills. - Darwin

Capuchin

"Freedom" white faced baby capuchin in natural park corcovado, Costa Rica.

Credit: istock

They can jump up to nine feet (three meters). They use this to get from one tree to another. This monkey is often considered a good pet and has even been used as a disability care animal for the partially paralyzed who could use the extra hands of a trained monkey friend.

Orangutan

John Greene Self Portrait with an orangutan at an open zoo.

They are capable of constructing elaborate sleeping nests and may have distinct cultures. Orangutan males often develop a distinct facial growth that grants them a dish-like face. These monkeys are often beloved at zoos because of their amusing body shape, expressive faces, and distinct personalities.

Chimpanzee

Chimp at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo

They have been described as highly territorial and will frequently kill other Chimps; they will even go to war over land: two tribes will engage in long term conflict. Chimpanzees are relatively socially complex and can form deep bonds with each other, however, these bonds can be broken easily if a group splits.

Proboscis Monkey

Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary in Sabah

Their extensive nose length may be used in sexual selection by the females, who prefer louder vocalizations. The size of the nose increases the volume of the call. The Proboscis is the largest monkey in Asia. Social groupings vary wildly in composition. Females have smaller noses, which are still relatively large compared to many monkeys.

Rhesus Macaque

Male Rhesus Macaque in Agra Fort, Uttar Pradesh

They are regular swimmers. Babies as young as a few days old can swim, and adults are known to swim over a half mile between islands. When in the presence of mirrors, they will recognize themselves. This type of monkey is often used in scientific studies, and many have been launched into space in the past.

Black Snub-Nosed Monkey, Yunnan Snub-Nosed Monkey

Black snub-nosed monkey, Yunnan snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus bieti), showing dominance, China, Yunnan, Baima Snow Mountain Nature Reserve

They live at the highest altitude of any known non-human primate. They have increased resistance to oxygen deprivation (Hypoxia). Its appearance is often unsettling to many due to its pitch black eyes, sharp prominent teeth (fangs), and large puffy red/pink lips.

Mona Monkey

Mint Images - Frans Lanting/Science Photo Library

Mona Monkey Male, Cercopithecus mona, Boabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary, Ghana.

They are a common and adaptable species. Its natural forest habitat has been impacted by much habitat destruction and it suffers from poaching; nonetheless, the population does not seem to be declining significantly.

Golden Snub-Nosed Monkey

Golden Snub-Nosed Monkey (Rhinopithecus roxellana) male in a snow-covered tree, Qinling Mountains, China.

Photographer: Stephen Belcher.

They can withstand colder average temperatures better than any other non-human primate. The Golden Snub-Nosed monkey has recently come to the attention of the internet due to its similarity to a Star Wars character.

Allen’s Swamp Monkey

Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biological Institute

Highly social primates, swamp monkeys live in groups of 40 or more. Their vocalizations include warning chirps, deep croaks, and grunts. They often live in swamps where their coloration allows for meaningful camouflage.

Saki Monkey

Whitefaced Saki Monkey sitting in the treetops

Credit: Kjorgen

Their bodies are adapted to life in the trees, with strong hind legs allowing them to make far jumps. In certain positions they can appear similar to owls due to their thick coat of fur and large white fur mass on their face. They spend most of their lives in the trees.

Lesula Monkey

Lesula (Cercopithecus lomamiensis); Credit: © Terese B. Hart et al

They are generally described by researchers as quiet and shy. They have human-like eyes and blue bottoms. Their lives consists of leisure, such as foraging and grooming. They avoid climbing in trees, unlike their many similar relatives.

Pygmy Marmoset

Lincoln Children'S Zoo, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA

They are one of the world's smallest primates, with a head-body length ranging from 117 to 152 mm (4.6 to 6.0 in) and a tail of 172 to 229 mm (6.8 to 9.0 in). The average adult body weight is just over 100 grams. Adults teach their infants vocalizations by interacting with them to facilitate babbling similar to the manner in which human infants learn language.