African primates range in size from the smallest prosimians to small, medium, and large-sized monkeys—including the largest monkeys in the world—to our closest ancestors, the great apes.

The monkeys of Africa are Old World monkeys. Most live throughout the tropical and equatorial zones. A few live in the semi-arid and rocky northern reaches of Africa. The distribution of some species spans into southern Africa. Some monkeys live in human settlements, including cities.

Among Africa’s nonhuman primate species, some live solely in trees, some primarily in trees, some along river and mangrove banks, and some live on the ground. Most are active in daytime, but some are nocturnal. 

Living at varying heights, whether in trees or on the ground, and dispersing activities between day and nighttime, more evenly distributes access to resources and reduces competition. This is one of the ways that nature ensures that everyone has access to all of the gifts of the Earth.