From their prehensile tails to their inquisitive natures, monkeys are fascinating animals. The term “monkey” is often used as a catch-all for all tailless primates, but it’s important to remember that they sit on different branches of the evolutionary tree from apes (chimpanzees, gorillas, and humans) and prosimians (lemurs, lorises, and lemurs).
Monkeys are active during the day and are usually arboreal. Many species live in tropical rainforests, but some, like baboons and colobus monkeys, are terrestrial. The majority of monkeys are omnivorous and feed on fruits, nuts, leaves, roots, seeds, insects, birds’ eggs, small mammals, and even plants that grow from seed (like bananas).
Their prehensile tails help them grasp branches while they forage, and some species—like guenons and mandrills—have chambered stomachs that can ferment and digest leaves. They also have the ability to hold their breath under water for extended periods of time, which is a big advantage when foraging in swampy habitats.
Although not as smart as the great apes, monkeys are very inquisitive animals with excellent memories and complex vocal systems. They use tools, such as rocks to crack open nuts, and some, such as capuchins, can modify their own tools to fit the task at hand.
While they can be a bit clumsy at times, monkeys are very playful and enjoy being in the spotlight. They are often seen in zoos and conservation locations where they can be enjoyed by visitors. Unfortunately, they are also popular pets and many people end up buying them without understanding the commitment involved in caring for these intelligent animals.