old world monkeys list

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10-12-2024

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Old World monkeys, a diverse group of primates, inhabit Africa and Asia. They are characterized by their downward-facing nostrils, non-prehensile tails (meaning they can't grasp objects), and a wider range of habitats compared to their New World cousins. This article provides a comprehensive list of Old World monkey species, categorized for easier understanding. Understanding Old World monkeys is crucial for primate conservation efforts.

Categorizing Old World Monkeys: Families and Subfamilies

Old World monkeys are classified into two families: Cercopithecidae (the majority) and Hominoidea (apes, which aren't monkeys, but included for context). Within Cercopithecidae, we find further divisions into subfamilies, each with unique characteristics and evolutionary pathways.

Family: Cercopithecidae (Old World Monkeys)

Subfamily: Cercopithecinae (cheek pouch monkeys)

This subfamily is characterized by cheek pouches used for storing food. They exhibit a wide range of social structures and habitats.

• Tribe Papionini: These are often called baboons, macaques, and mangabeys. Many are highly social and terrestrial.

  • Genus Papio (Baboons): Yellow baboon (Papio cynocephalus), olive baboon (Papio anubis), chacma baboon (Papio ursinus), Guinea baboon (Papio papio), Hamadryas baboon (Papio hamadryas)
  • Genus Macaca (Macaques): Rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta), Japanese macaque (Macaca fuscata), Barbary macaque (Macaca sylvanus), pig-tailed macaque (Macaca nemestrina), and many more.
  • Genus Lophocebus (Mangabeys): Several species exist, including the black mangabey (Lophocebus aterrimus) and the red-capped mangabey (Lophocebus preussi).
  • Genus Theropithecus (Geladas): The gelada (Theropithecus gelada) is unique among this group.
  • Genus Mandrillus (Mandrills and Drill): Mandrill (Mandrillus sphinx) and drill (Mandrillus leucophaeus) are known for their vibrant coloration.

• Tribe Cercopithecini: These are generally smaller and more arboreal than the Papionini.

  • Genus Cercopithecus (Guenons): A large and diverse genus with many species, exhibiting a wide array of colors and patterns. Examples include the Diana monkey (Cercopithecus diana), the red-tailed monkey (Cercopithecus ascanius), and the vervet monkey (Chlorocebus pygerythrus).
  • Genus Allenopithecus (Allen's swamp monkey): Allenopithecus nigroviridis is largely aquatic.
  • Genus Miopithecus (Talapoin monkeys): Miopithecus talapoin and Miopithecus ogouensis are small, arboreal monkeys.
  • Genus Chlorocebus (Vervet monkeys): A number of vervet monkey species inhabit various parts of Africa.

Subfamily: Colobinae (leaf-eating monkeys)

Colobines are characterized by their specialized digestive systems for processing leaves. Many have long tails.

• Tribe Colobini: This tribe includes many leaf-eating monkeys found across Asia and Africa.
  • Genus Colobus (Colobus monkeys): Several species, including the black colobus (Colobus satanas) and the red colobus (Piliocolobus tephrosceles).
  • Genus Nasalis (Proboscis monkeys): The proboscis monkey (Nasalis larvatus) is famous for its large nose.
  • Genus Pygathrix (Douc langurs): The species are known for their distinctive coloration.
  • Genus Presbytis (Langurs): A wide variety of langur species exist throughout Asia.
  • Genus Semnopithecus (Langurs): Includes several species of langurs.
  • Genus Rhinopithecus (Snub-nosed monkeys): Known for their upturned noses.

Family: Hominoidea (Apes)

While not monkeys, the apes are closely related to Old World monkeys and included for comparative purposes. This family includes gibbons, orangutans, gorillas, chimpanzees, and humans.

Conservation Status of Old World Monkeys

Many Old World monkey species face threats from habitat loss, poaching, and the illegal pet trade. Conservation efforts are crucial to protecting these primates and their ecosystems. Several organizations are dedicated to their preservation. Supporting these organizations and raising awareness about the challenges they face is vital.

Further Research

This list is not exhaustive; many subspecies and variations exist within each species. For a more in-depth understanding of each Old World monkey species, further research using scientific databases and primate conservation websites is recommended. Remember to always cite your sources appropriately.