Latin American nonhuman monkeys range in size from the tiny pygmy marmosets to medium-sized monkeys. Humans are the only ape species that resides in Latin America. No prosimians live in Latin America.

Latin American monkeys are New World monkeys. They are found from southern Mexico to central South America. All of Latin America’s nonhuman primate species live in tropical habitats, mostly rainforests, in the equatorial zone. Some live in cloud forests. Some live in human settlements, including cities.

Among Latin America’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.