Monkey
Various primates
- Where
- Africa, Asia, Central & South America
- Habitat
- Mostly trees in tropical forests; some live on the ground
- Diet
- Often omnivores — fruit, leaves, insects, small animals
- Size
- From tiny marmosets to large baboons
- Lifespan
- Varies widely by species (often 15–40 years)
- Conservation
- Many species are threatened by deforestation and the illegal pet trade.
Fun Facts
- New World monkeys (Americas) often have prehensile tails that can grab branches.
- Many monkeys live in troops and share lookout duty for predators.
- Capuchin monkeys are known for using tools, like rocks to crack nuts.
Learn More
“Monkey” covers many species. Scientists often group them as New World (Americas) and Old World (Africa & Asia).
Most monkeys are social. Grooming is not just cleaning — it builds friendships and reduces stress.
In the Amazon, monkeys help forests by spreading seeds as they travel and eat fruit.
Wild monkeys are not pets. They need complex social groups and large habitats that homes cannot provide.