Monkeys, a diverse group of primates, inhabit various regions across the globe. These intelligent creatures are found widely, primarily in warm, tropical climates. Their distribution spans three major continents.
Monkeys of the Americas
The Americas are home to New World monkeys. Their geographical range extends from southern Mexico, through Central America, and as far south as northern Argentina. These primates primarily inhabit tropical rainforests, including the Amazon basin, and are also found in cloud forests.
Examples of New World monkeys include agile spider monkeys, known for their long, prehensile tails used for grasping branches. Howler monkeys, recognized for their loud vocalizations, also thrive in these arboreal environments. Capuchin monkeys are often seen in various forest layers, while the smaller marmosets and tamarins are among the smallest primates.
Monkeys of Africa
Africa hosts Old World monkeys, found across nearly the entire continent, from sub-Saharan regions to parts of North Africa. These monkeys occupy habitats ranging from savannas and grasslands to tropical rainforests and mountainous terrain.
Notable African monkey species include baboons, which are largely terrestrial and found in savannas and rocky areas. Vervet monkeys are common in woodlands and grasslands, while guenons inhabit forested areas, often displaying vibrant coloration. Colobus monkeys, known for their striking black and white fur, are primarily arboreal. The mandrill, the world’s largest monkey, is found in West-Central African rainforests.
Monkeys of Asia
Asian monkeys have a broad distribution from the Indian subcontinent across Southeast Asia. Their presence extends to islands such as Borneo and Sumatra, and northward into parts of East Asia, including Japan.
Macaques are a widespread group in Asia, found in diverse settings from tropical forests to urban areas and even snowy mountains, such as Japanese macaques that bathe in hot springs during winter. Langurs are often found in various forest types. Proboscis monkeys, with their distinctive large noses, inhabit mangrove swamps and lowland forests in Borneo. Snub-nosed monkeys, with their unusual facial features, are found in mountainous regions.
Diverse Monkey Habitats
Monkeys exhibit adaptability, allowing them to inhabit a wide range of ecological niches globally. They are primarily found in the tropical rainforests of South America, Africa, and Asia, which provide abundant food and canopy cover. However, their habitats are not limited to dense forests; many species thrive in dry savannas, shrublands, and montane regions.
Some monkeys have adapted to human-modified landscapes, including agricultural areas and urban environments. Despite their widespread presence, monkeys are not native to all continents. They are absent from Australia and Antarctica. With the exception of a small population of Barbary macaques in Gibraltar, monkeys are not found in Europe or North America. The lack of suitable continuous tropical habitats and geographical barriers contributed to their absence in these regions.