Monkey Facts

Monkeys are a fascinating group of mammals. Their quick reactions and smart thinking have entertained humans for centuries. But these behaviours didn’t evolve just for fun – they are adaptations to life in complex societies in the treetops. They help monkeys care for offspring, form social bonds and solve problems.

With more than 300 species, monkeys are omnivorous, eating nuts, fruits, leaves, seeds, vegetables, flowers, insects, reptiles and even rodents. Some species of monkeys have specialised anatomy for exploiting specific food sources. For example, the howler and colobus monkeys are leaf eaters with long digestive tracts that allow them to ferment hard-to-digest leaf nutrients.

In the wild, monkeys eat whatever is available based on their habitat and season. They are scavengers and raid farms and gardens for human food leftovers and produce. They are also known to hunt and feed on birds, small animals, plants and invertebrates.

Most monkeys move by clinging and leaping on branches. Some have prehensile tails that can grasp and hold objects. They may also use arm swinging (brachiation) to move through the trees.

Many monkeys groom each other as a way of expressing affection or making peace with their troop members. Grooming also helps to keep monkeys clean of dirt, parasites and dead skin.

Like other primates, monkeys require a diet high in complex carbohydrates. However, they should avoid foods with a lot of fat. For example, pizza with a lot of cheese or a sauce with olive oil will provide extra calories and fat that is unnecessary. If you are on a Monkey diet, choose low fat sauces such as marinara, barbeque and white wine.