Monkeys' Natural Habitat

The term "monkey" applies to a large group of very diverse primates. There are at current count more than 130 different monkey species. Monkeys are any primate that is not classified as human, ape or prosimian (more primitive primates such as lemurs, tarsiers, and bushbabies). Though monkeys have numerous differences and can be found in a variety of habitats across the globe, the majority of monkey species tend to inhabit similar habitats and have shared characteristics.

Geography

Monkeys can be divided into two main groups: Old World monkeys and New World monkeys. Old World monkeys are found throughout Africa (with the exception of deserts) and mainly in Southern Asia (though some can be found as far north as Japan and China). New World monkeys reside throughout Central and South America, except for the very high altitudes of mountainous regions .

Climate

Typically monkeys are found in tropical and subtropical climates, though there are exceptions. Rainforests tend to lay claim to most monkey species. These climates are characterized by heavy rainfall and relatively high heat. Several monkey species are also found in savannas, which are characterized by definite wet and dry seasons in addition to warm temperatures. Occasionally monkeys reside in cooler climates (like those found in China and Japan), but these species are not as common.

Features

Because monkeys demonstrate a variety of adaptations, the features of their habitats vary. All monkeys are excellent climbers, but not all are arboreal (tree-dwelling). Some Old World monkeys, such as baboons in Africa, prefer savanna environments to forests. Among the New World monkeys all are arboreal, so extensive tree coverage is a defining feature of their habitats. New World monkeys often reside in the canopies of rainforests and have adapted to life in the trees.

Food Sources

Monkeys' habitats contain a variety of food sources as well. Though most monkeys survive on fruits, seeds and leaves, they are also opportunistic eaters, dining on insects, small mammals, eggs and reptiles if given the chance. Much of a monkey's diet is dictated by the environment in which it lives. Monkeys adapted for the trees will eat more fruits and nuts, while monkeys that live on the open savanna will be more carnivorous in general.

Habitat Destruction

Perhaps the biggest threat to many monkey species today is the loss of habitat. Because most monkeys are so well adapted to living in rainforest canopies, destruction of this habitat is devastating to their numbers. Deforestation is a huge problem for many monkeys, and their numbers tend to reflect this. As the amount of habitat dwindles, so too does the wide array of fascinating monkey species.

References

• Mammals: Monkey
• Monkey
• World Climates

Resources

• What do monkeys eat?