Old World monkeys, belonging to the family Cercopithecidae, are a diverse group of primates distinct from their New World counterparts. They are characterized by non-prehensile tails, downward-facing nostrils, and specialized molar teeth. Unlike apes, Old World monkeys typically retain tails.
Global Range
Old World monkeys are found across vast regions of Africa and Asia, adapting to diverse climates and landscapes. Their distribution spans nearly the entire African continent, primarily south of the Sahara, and extends into North Africa. In Asia, their range covers South Asia, Southeast Asia, and parts of East Asia, including southern China and most of Japan.
The Barbary macaque in Gibraltar is a notable exception in Europe, though its indigenous status is debated. These primates are not native to the Americas or Australia. While some species have been introduced to new areas, such as rhesus macaques in Florida, these are not part of their natural historical distribution.
Diverse Habitats
Old World monkeys inhabit an exceptionally broad spectrum of environments, making them ecologically flexible. Many species thrive in lush tropical rainforests, often arboreal and spending much of their lives in the tree canopy. Colobus monkeys, for instance, are highly arboreal, preferring various forest habitats like primary and secondary rainforests or mangrove swamps. Their specialized stomachs allow them to digest leafy diets common in these dense settings.
Beyond forests, Old World monkeys are prevalent in more open landscapes. Baboons are primarily terrestrial, foraging on the ground for roots, seeds, and plant matter in African savannas, grasslands, and open woodlands. Some macaques have adapted to arid and semi-arid regions, surviving in drier conditions. Their adaptability extends to mountainous areas, with some macaques inhabiting cold, snowy regions like the Japanese Alps. Certain species have even adapted to human-modified landscapes, including agricultural areas and urban fringes, where they forage on human waste and cultivated crops.
Influences on Their Range
The distribution of Old World monkeys is shaped by environmental factors and human impact. Climate, including temperature and rainfall patterns, plays a significant role in determining where different species can thrive. Availability of food resources, such as fruits, leaves, and insects, and access to reliable water sources are fundamental drivers of their presence. Natural predation pressure from animals like leopards, large eagles, and chimpanzees also influences population densities and movements.
Human activities are now a dominant force altering their natural ranges. Habitat loss and fragmentation due to deforestation for agriculture, logging, and urban development are significant threats. This encroachment forces monkeys into smaller, isolated patches of habitat, leading to decreased populations and reduced genetic diversity. Urbanization and agricultural expansion also lead to human-monkey conflicts, as primates may raid farms or scavenge in cities for food. The illegal wildlife trade and hunting further exacerbate the challenges, with many Old World monkey species facing declining populations and extinction.