APES OF ASIA

AT-A-GLANCE

Asian primates range in size from some of the world’s smallest prosimians to medium-sized monkeys to very large orangutans.

Asian apes include gibbons, humans, and orangutans.

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Bornean Orangutan
Sumatran Orangutan
Tapanuli Orangutan
Abbott's Gray Gibbon
Agile Gibbon
Cao-Vit Gibbon
Black Crested Gibbon
Bornean Gibbon
Bornean White-Bearded Gibbon
Eastern Hoolock Gibbon
Hainan Gibbon
Kloss's Gibbon
Northern Gray Gibbon
Northern White-Cheeked Gibbon
Northern Yellow-Cheeked Crested Gibbon
Pileated Gibbon
Siamang
Silvery Gibbon
Southern White-Cheeked Gibbon
Southern Yellow-Cheeked Crested Gibbon
White-Handed Gibbon
Skywalker Hoolock Gibbon
Western Hoolock Gibbon
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Bornean Orangutan
Sumatran Orangutan
Tapanuli Orangutan
Abbott's Gray Gibbon
Agile Gibbon
Cao-Vit Gibbon
Black Crested Gibbon
Bornean Gibbon
Bornean White-Bearded Gibbon
Eastern Hoolock Gibbon
Hainan Gibbon
Kloss's Gibbon
Northern Gray Gibbon
Northern White-Cheeked Gibbon
Northern Yellow-Cheeked Crested Gibbon
Pileated Gibbon
Siamang
Silvery Gibbon
Southern White-Cheeked Gibbon
Southern Yellow-Cheeked Crested Gibbon
White-Handed Gibbon
Skywalker Hoolock Gibbon
Western Hoolock Gibbon
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While viewing the slideshow, click on any photo for the full species profile

ABOUT ASIAN PRIMATES

Asia’s primates are found primarily in southern Asia, with a few species living as far north as Japan and northern China. Most Asian nonhuman primates live in tropical habitats. Some monkeys live in human settlements, including cities. Some live in the remote chilly mountains of China and Japan.

Among Asia’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.

Worldwide geographic distribution of nonhuman primates