AT-A-GLANCE: ASIAN PROSIMIANS
PROSIMIANS OF ASIA
AT-A-GLANCE
Asian prosimians include lorises and tarsiers.
It should be noted that tarsiers belong to the suborder Haplorrhini, the “dry nosed” primates, along with the true simians (monkey and apes). Haplorrhines are considered to be less primitive than the strepsirrhine “wet-nosed” primates (other prosimians) and, somewhat controversially, continue to be categorized in the prosimian group.
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.
