Facts About Monkeys

monkey

Monkeys are highly intelligent animals and very good at solving problems. They are omnivorous and have diets that vary according to the seasons and the environment in which they live. They eat fruits, nuts, leaves, flowers, roots, lizards and insects. They also eat cultivated crops such as bananas when they are available.

They are very social creatures and most species live in groups called troops. They communicate with each other through facial expressions, body movements and various noises. Squirrel monkeys, for example, have more than 25 calls including barks, purrs, screams and peeps. Howler monkeys emit deep howls that can be heard up to 3 miles (5 kilometers) away.

Most monkeys are adapted for an arboreal lifestyle and have long, flexible limbs and hands with dexterous fingers that allow them to grip on branches. They also have tails, which they use to cling on and swing from branch to branch. Monkeys can walk, swim and even fly through the air, but are primarily tree-dwellers.

Many of the world’s monkey species are facing a serious threat to their survival. They are losing their habitat due to development and agriculture, and being hunted for bush meat or used in traditional medicines. They are also at risk of being captured and sold into the pet trade.

In captivity, monkeys should be fed several times a day in order to cut down on waste, prevent bloating and provide the nutrients they need. They should also be given a wide variety of food to prevent them from becoming bored with eating the same thing all the time.