MONKEY OF ASIA
AT-A-GLANCE
The tails of Old World monkeys are never prehensile. Their thumbs are opposable. Their nostrils are close together and tend to point downward. They have 32 teeth. Many have cheek-pouches to hold food. Many have thick pads on their buttocks for comfort when sitting on hard surfaces.
Old world monkeys are more closely related to apes, and therefore to humans, than they are to New World monkeys.
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
