In this post, we are covering all important types of monkeys available in India and the world. Monkeys display a wide range of physical and behavioural adaptations depending on their species. They have forward-facing eyes, providing them with stereoscopic vision, and many have highly developed brains. Different types of monkeys are generally highly intelligent animals, capable of problem-solving and learning complex tasks.

Types of Monkeys

Different types of Monkeys inhabit various habitats such as forests, jungles, grasslands, and mountains across different regions of the world. They are found in Africa, Asia, Central America, and South America. Monkeys are omnivorous, meaning they consume a varied diet consisting of fruits, leaves, seeds, insects, and occasionally small animals.

There are diverse monkey types and species, including familiar ones like the spider monkey, howler monkey, capuchin monkey, macaque, baboon, and many others. Each species has its unique characteristics, social structures, and behavioural patterns.

Types of Monkeys: Introduction

There are around 267 species of monkeys living today. They are divided into two main types of monkeys: old-world monkeys and new-world monkeys. All of the old-world monkeys belong to a single family, whereas the new-world monkeys are divided into five families.

Old World monkeys are found in Africa and Asia. They have narrow noses with downward-facing nostrils, and they have fewer teeth than new world monkeys. Some examples of old-world monkeys include baboons, macaques, and mandrills.
New World monkeys are found in Central and South America. They have wider noses with nostrils that point outward, and they have more teeth than old-world monkeys. Some examples of new world monkeys include spider monkeys, howler monkeys, and tamarins.

Also Read: Unemployment Essays

Types of Monkeys in India

List of Different types of monkeys with scientific names and characters are:

Types of Monkeys in Scientific name	Image	Character of different Types of Monkeys
Rhesus Macaque (Macaca mulatta)		Rhesus macaques are highly intelligent and social primates. They live in complex hierarchical societies with strong bonds between family members. They are known for their resourcefulness and ability to adapt to different environments. Rhesus macaques are also opportunistic omnivores, eating a wide variety of foods including fruits, leaves, insects, and even small vertebrates.
Bonnet Macaque (Macaca radiata)		The Nilgiri langur, scientifically known as Trachypithecus johnii, is an endemic primate species found in the Western Ghats of India. They have a striking black coats with a white mustache and a tuft of hair on their head. Nilgiri langurs are arboreal, highly agile, and primarily feed on leaves, fruits, and flowers.
Hanuman Langur (Semnopithecus entellus)		Hanuman langurs, also known as Indian langurs, are large and majestic monkeys found in various parts of India. They have a gray or brownish coat, long tails, and a prominent face. Hanuman langurs are highly social animals, living in troops and displaying complex social hierarchies. They primarily feed on leaves, fruits, and other plant materials.
Nilgiri Langur (Trachypithecus johnii)		The Nilgiri langur, scientifically known as Trachypithecus johnii, is an endemic primate species found in the Western Ghats of India. They have a striking black coat with a white mustache and a tuft of hair on their head. Nilgiri langurs are arboreal, highly agile, and primarily feed on leaves, fruits, and flowers.
Assam Macaque (Macaca assamensis)		Assam macaque is a primate species native to the northeastern regions of India, including Assam. They have a brownish-gray coat with a pale face and a short tail. Assam macaques are highly adaptable, living in diverse habitats from forests to grasslands. They are social animals, forming multi-male and multi-female groups, and are primarily herbivorous, feeding on fruits, leaves, and other plant matter.
Arunachal Macaque (Macaca munzala)		Arunachal macaque, scientifically known as Macaca muzzle, is a recently discovered species of macaque found in the forests of Arunachal Pradesh. They have a dark brown coat with a distinctive pale ring around their face. Arunachal macaques are arboreal and live in small groups. They primarily feed on fruits, leaves, and other plant materials, displaying a high level of adaptability to their mountainous habitat.
Pig-tailed Macaque (Macaca nemestrina)		The Pig-tailed Macaque is a charismatic primate known for its distinctive appearance, featuring a short tail and tufts of hair on its head resembling pigtails. Highly adaptable and social, it inhabits forests across Southeast Asia. Habitat loss and the illegal wildlife trade pose significant threats to its survival.
Bengal Slow Loris (Nycticebus bengalensis)		Bengal Slow Loris is a small, nocturnal primate with large, soulful eyes. It has a gentle and docile nature, moving slowly and cautiously through the trees. Endemic to Southeast Asia, it relies on camouflage and a venomous bite for self-defense. Sadly, habitat destruction and the pet trade jeopardize its population.
Dusky Leaf Monkey (Trachypithecus obscurus)		Dusky Leaf Monkey, also known as the Spectacled Langur, is an arboreal primate found in Southeast Asia. It possesses a distinctive gray or black coat with striking white rings around its eyes, resembling spectacles. Known for its agility and leaping ability, it feeds primarily on leaves and fruits, living harmoniously in small social groups within the forest canopy.
Northern Plains Gray Langur (Semnopithecus dussumieri)		The Northern Plains Gray Langur, also known as the Hanuman Langur, is a large and powerful primate native to the Indian subcontinent. With its gray fur and distinctive black face, it displays intelligence and adaptability. Living in groups, they are highly social and often seen leaping skillfully through trees. However, habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict pose significant challenges to their conservation.
Western Hoolock Gibbon (Hoolock hoolock)		The Western Hoolock Gibbon is a small, arboreal primate found in Northeast India, Bangladesh, and Myanmar with its long arms and distinctive white eyebrows, it is known for its agile swinging and acrobatic abilities. Their vocal calls reverberate through the forests, emphasizing their tight-knit family bonds. Unfortunately, habitat loss and poaching threaten their survival.
Eastern Hoolock Gibbon (Hoolock leuconedys)		The Eastern Hoolock Gibbon, found in Northeast India, Myanmar, and China, is a charismatic primate with a black coat and white brows. Known for its remarkable agility and swinging skills, it forms monogamous pairs that communicate through melodious duets. Sadly, habitat destruction and hunting pose severe threats to their populations, making them critically endangered.
Stump-tailed Macaque (Macaca arctoides)		Stump-tailed Macaque, also known as the Bear Macaque, is a medium-sized primate found in Southeast Asia. It possesses a unique short, stumpy tail and a stocky build. Highly adaptable, it thrives in various habitats, including forests and human-altered landscapes. Habitat loss and the pet trade pose significant challenges to its conservation.
Phayre’s Leaf Monkey (Trachypithecus phayrei)		Phayre’s Leaf Monkey, also known as the Phayre’s Langur, is a visually striking primate endemic to Southeast Asia. Its glossy black fur contrasts with its white face and golden rings around the eyes. A leaf-eating specialist, it lives in small social groups and faces threats from habitat loss and poaching, requiring conservation efforts.
Gray Langur (Semnopithecus spp.)		The Gray Langur, also known as the Hanuman Langur or Common Langur, is a large and adaptable primate found across South Asia. With its gray fur and long limbs, it exhibits intelligence and social complexity. Living in multi-male, multi-female groups, it navigates various habitats, including forests, urban areas, and temples.
Golden Langur (Trachypithecus geei)		The Golden Langur, endemic to the northeastern regions of India and Bhutan, is a striking primate known for its golden fur and expressive eyes. Living in close-knit social groups, it feeds primarily on leaves and fruits. Threatened by habitat loss and poaching, conservation efforts are crucial for its survival and protection of its unique beauty.
Capped Langur (Trachypithecus pileatus)		Capped Langur, found in Southeast Asia, is a primate known for its striking appearance, with a black body and a white or golden cap on its head. Living in forested areas, it forms social groups and relies on leaves and fruits for sustenance. Habitat loss and hunting pose significant threats to its population.
Nicobar Long-tailed Macaque (Macaca fascicularis umbrosa)		The Nicobar Long-tailed Macaque is a primate species endemic to the Nicobar Islands in the Indian Ocean. With a sleek black coat and a long, expressive tail, it is highly agile and arboreal. Living in social groups, it faces threats from habitat loss, hunting, and invasive species, requiring conservation attention for its survival.
Indochinese Gray Langur (Trachypithecus crepusculus)		The Indochinese Gray Langur, also known as the Indochinese Leaf Monkey, is a primate species found in Southeast Asia. It possesses a grayish-brown coat and a distinctive face with a light-colored mask. Highly arboreal, it feeds on leaves and fruits and forms social groups.
Grey-shanked Douc Langur (Pygathrix cinerea)		Grey-shanked Douc Langur is a charismatic and endangered primate species found in Vietnam. Known for its striking appearance, with a vibrant mix of colors including grey, black, and orange, it captivates with its long limbs and elegant movements. Its conservation status highlights the urgent need for protection and preservation efforts.
Western Ghats Slender Loris (Loris lydekkerianus)		Western Ghats Slender Loris is a small, nocturnal primate endemic to the Western Ghats region of India. With its large, round eyes and slow, deliberate movements, it exudes a sense of mystery. Its arboreal lifestyle and unique adaptations make it an enchanting and elusive creature, deserving of conservation attention.
Kashmir Gray Langur (Semnopithecus ajax)		Kashmir Gray Langur, also known as the Himalayan Gray Langur or Hanuman Langur, is a majestic primate found in the mountainous regions of Kashmir and neighboring areas. With its thick, gray fur and expressive face, it possesses a regal aura. Its social behavior and adaptability to different habitats make it an intriguing and resilient species.
Purple-faced Langur (Semnopithecus vetulus)		The Purple-faced Langur, native to Sri Lanka, is a visually captivating primate species. Its striking facial markings and deep purple coloration distinguish it from other langurs. With its arboreal lifestyle and agile movements, it adds grace to the forest canopy. Endangered and endemic, it represents the importance of conservation efforts in preserving unique biodiversity.
Hoolock Gibbon (Hoolock spp.)		Hoolock Gibbon, found in parts of India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and China, is a charismatic and acrobatic primate. With its distinctive white eyebrows and black fur, it swings effortlessly through the forest canopy. Known for its loud vocalizations and monogamous social structure, it symbolizes the vitality of tropical ecosystems and the need for their conservation.
Lion-tailed Macaque (Macaca silenus)		The Lion-tailed Macaque, endemic to the rainforests of the Western Ghats in India, is a visually captivating primate. Its unique appearance, with a silver mane and a tufted tail, sets it apart. Highly arboreal and cautious, it represents the delicate balance between wildlife conservation and habitat preservation in its critically endangered status.

Also, Read
⟫ How to Make Study Notes
⟫ Ideal Study Time Table and Tips from Toppers
⟫ How to prepare for Government Exams at Home
⟫ Time Management Skills of Toppers
⟫ Secret Study Tips for Toppers
⟫ How to maintain a healthy lifestyle while studying

Types of Monkeys in the World

All types of monkeys names are given below.

Types of monkeys names	Types of monkeys Images	Scientific Names	Native place
Capuchin Monkeys		Cebinae	Central and South America
Howler Monkey		Alouatta	Central and South America
Spider Monkeys		Ateles	Central and South America
Squirrel Monkeys		Saimiri	Amazon Basin, parts of Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia, and Venezuela
Mandrills		Mandrillus	Central Africa
Gibbons		Hylobatidae	Southeast Asia
Marmosets		Callitrichidae	South America
Colobus Monkeys		Colobus	East, Central, and West Africa
Vervet Monkeys		Chlorocebus	South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Mozambique
Japanese Macaques (Snow Monkeys)		Macaca fuscata	Japan
Golden Lion Tamarins		Leontopithecus rosalia	Brazil
Pygmy Marmosets		Cebuella pygmaea	Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Bolivia, and Brazil
Patas Monkeys		Erythrocebus patas	Africa
Gelada Baboons		Theropithecus gelada	Ethiopia
Siamangs		Hylobates syndactylus	Southeast Asia
Drill Monkeys		Mandrillus leucophaeus	Nigeria, Cameroon, and Equatorial Guinea
Bonobos		Pan paniscus	Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
Orangutans		Pongo pygmaeus	Borneo and Sumatra
Barbary Macaques		Macaca sylvanus	Morocco and Algeria
Mountain Gorillas		Gorilla beringei	Central Africa
White-faced Saki Monkeys		Pithecia Pithecia	South America
Red-handed Tamarin		Saguinus midas	Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia
Celebes Crested Macaques		Macaca nigra	Indonesia
Owl Monkeys		Aotus trivirgatus	Central and South America
Black Howler Monkeys		Alouatta caraya	Central and South America
Golden Snub-nosed Monkeys		Rhinopithecus roxellana	Central and Southwest China
Proboscis Monkeys		Nasalis larvatus	Borneo
South American Squirrel Monkeys		Saimiri sciureus	South America
Pig-tailed Macaques		Macaca nemestrina	Southeast Asia
Yellow Baboons		Papio cynocephalus	Africa
Indri		Indri Indri	Madagascar
Rhesus Macaques		Macaca mulatta	India, Nepal, Bangladesh, China, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia
Pigmy Squirrel Monkeys		Saimiri ustus	Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, and Bolivia
White-headed Capuchin Monkeys		Cebus capucinus	Central and South America
Stump-tailed Macaques		Macaca arctoides	Southeast Asia
Grey-cheeked Mangabey		Cercocebus torquatus	Central and West Africa
Woolly Monkeys		Lagothrix spp.	Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, and Bolivia
L’Hoest’s Monkey		Cercopithecus Loxodonta	Central Africa
Red-shanked Douc Langur		Pygathrix nemaeus	Southeast Asia
White-handed Gibbon		Hylobates lar	Southeast Asia
Geoffroy’s Spider Monkey		Ateles geoffroyi	Central and South America
Goeldi’s Monkey		Callimico goeldii	Colombia, Brazil, and Peru
Olive Baboon		Papio Anubis	Africa
Silvery Marmoset		Mico argentatus	Brazil
Northern Muriqui		Brachyteles Hypoxanthus	Brazil
Red Colobus Monkey		Piliocolobus rufomitratus	Africa
Agile Gibbon		Hylobates agilis	Southeast Asia
De Brazza’s Monkey		Cercopithecus neglectus	Central Africa
Colombian Spider Monkey		Ateles hybridus	Colombia and Venezuela
Lion-tailed Macaque		Macaca silenus	India
Golden-headed Lion Tamarin		Leontopithecus chrysomelas	Brazil
Black-and-white Ruffed Lemur		Varecia variegata	Madagascar
Olive Colobus Monkey		Procolobus verus	Central and East Africa
Japanese Snow Monkey (Japanese Macaque)		Macaca fuscata	Japan
Red-bellied Titi Monkey		Callicebus cupreus	Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, and Colombia
Brown Spider Monkey		Ateles Chamek	Peru, Venezuela, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and parts of Central America
White-faced Capuchin		Cebus capucinus	Central and South America
Tufted Capuchin		Cebus apella	South America
Pygmy Slow Loris		Nycticebus pygmaeus	Southeast Asia
White-headed Langur		Trachypithecus leucocephalus	Vietnam and Laos
Celebes Macaque		Macaca nigra	Indonesia
Mountain Patas Monkey		Erythrocebus poensis	Ethiopia
Moloch Gibbon		Hylobates moloch	Borneo
Silvered Leaf Monkey		Trachypithecus cristatus	Southeast Asia
Crested Macaque	**	Macaca nigra	Indonesia and Malaysia
Golden Langur		Trachypithecus francoisi	India and Bhutan
Ethiopian Gelada		Theropithecus gelada	Ethiopia
Philippine Tarsier		Tarsius syrichta	Philippines
Brown-headed Spider Monkey		Ateles fusciceps	Central and South America
Javan Langur		Trachypithecus auratus	Indonesia
Agile Mangabey		Cercocebus agilis	Central and West Africa
Black-capped Capuchin		Cebus nigritus	Central and South America
White-throated Guenon		Cercopithecus Ascanius	West Africa
Philippine Long-tailed Macaque		Macaca fascicularis	Philippines
Angola Colobus Monkey		Colobus angolensis	Central and East Africa
White-handed Spider Monkey		Ateles marginatus	Central and South America
Red-crowned Mangabey		Cercocebus torquatus torquatus	Central and West Africa
Geoffroy’s Marmoset		Callithrix geoffroyi	South America
Zanzibar Red Colobus Monkey		Piliocolobus kirkii	Zanzibar in East Africa
White-throated Monkey		Cercopithecus erythrogaster	West and Central Africa
Saki Monkeys		Pithecia spp.	South America
Black Spider Monkey		Ateles paniscus	Central and South America
Red-tailed Guenon		Cercopithecus ascanius	Central and West Africa
Red-fronted Lemur		Eulemur rufifrons	Madagascar
Golden-bellied Capuchin		Cebus xanthosternos	South America
Black-handed Spider Monkey		Ateles fusciceps	Central and South America
White-fronted Capuchin		Cebus albifrons	Central and South America
Philippine Macaque		Macaca fascicularis	Philippines
Pig-tailed Langur		Macaca nemestrina	Southeast Asia
Golden Monkey		Rhinopithecus roxellana	East Africa
Southern Lesser Galago		Galago moholi	Southern Africa
Sooty Mangabey		Cercocebus atys	Central Africa
Indochinese Grey Langur		Trachypithecus francoisi	Southeast Asia
Kashmir Grey Langur		Semnopithecus ajax	India and Pakistan
Purple-faced Langur		Trachypithecus vetulus	Sri Lanka
Allen’s Guenon		Cercopithecus alleni	West Africa
Blue Monkey		Cercopithecus mitis	Central and East Africa
Wedge-capped Capuchin		Sapajus libidinosus	South America
Bonnet Macaque		Macaca radiata	South India
Bald-headed Uakari		Cacajao calvus	Brazil and Peru
Red Leaf Monkeys		Presbytis rubicunda	Southeast Asia
Black-bearded Saki		Chiropotes satanas	South America
Guizhou Snub-nosed Monkey		Rhinopithecus roxellana ssp. qinlingensis	China
White-thighed Colobus Monkey		Colobus vellerosus	East Africa
Black-handed Tamarin		Saguinus niger	South America
Grivet Monkey		Cercopithecus aethiops	East Africa
Brown Capuchin		Cebus apella	Central and South America
Western Tarsier		Tarsius tarsier	Borneo
Gray Langur		Trachypithecus obscurus	South Asia
Diana Monkey		Cercopithecus diana	West Africa
Black-faced Spider Monkey		Ateles paniscus	Central and South America
Purple-faced Leaf Monkey		Trachypithecus Francoisi	Southeast Asia
Black-headed Spider Monkey		Ateles fusciceps	Central and South America
Crested Black Macaque		Macaca nigra nigra	Indonesia
Silvery Gibbon		Hylobates moloch	Southeast Asia
Allen’s Swamp Monkey		Allenopithecus nigroviridis	Central Africa
Variegated Spider Monkey		Ateles hybridus	Central and South America
Red-tailed Monkeys		Erythrocebus patas	Central and West Africa
Tonkean Macaque		Macaca tonkeana	Indonesia
Javan Surili		Presbytis comata	Indonesia
Sclater’s Guenon		Cercopithecus sclateri	West Africa
Yellow-tailed Woolly monkeys		Lagothrix flavicauda	South America
Black-crowned Central American Squirrel Monkey		Saimiri oerstedii	Central America
Crested Mangabey		Cercocebus torquatus torquatus	Central Africa
Gray Woolly Monkey		Lagothrix lagothricha	South America
White-headed Spider Monkey		Ateles marginatus	Central and South America
Tana River Red Colobus Monkey		Piliocolobus Kirkii	Kenya
White-bellied Spider Monkey		Ateles belzebuth	Central and South America
Yunnan Snub-nosed Monkey		Rhinopithecus bieti	China
Mustached Monkeys		Cercopithecus cephus	West and Central Africa
Brazilian Squirrel Monkey		Saimiri vanzolinii	Brazil

All Exam Papers	Trophies and Cups
All Prestigious Awards	Online Earning Ideas
Latest Government Schemes	Premium Exam Notes

Also Read: Swachh Bharat Abhiyan

Big types of Monkeys

Here, we are providing a few big types of monkeys List:

1. Mandrill (Mandrillus sphinx): Mandrills are the largest species of monkey. Males can weigh up to 35 kilograms (77 pounds) and have an average length of about 75 centimeters (30 inches). They are known for their colorful face patterns and prominent canine teeth.
2. Proboscis monkey (Nasalis larvatus): Proboscis monkeys are large and distinctive monkeys found in Borneo. Adult males can weigh up to 24 kilograms (53 pounds) and have a long, fleshy nose that hangs down over their mouth.
3. Gelada (Theropithecus gelada): Geladas are sometimes referred to as “bleeding-heart monkeys” due to the red skin patches on their chest. They are large, ground-dwelling monkeys native to the Ethiopian Highlands. Adult males can weigh up to 20 kilograms (44 pounds).
4. Patas monkey (Erythrocebus patas): Patas monkeys, also known as the “Wadi monkey” or “hussar monkey,” are known for their exceptional running ability. They are found in various habitats across Africa. Adult males can weigh up to 13 kilograms (29 pounds).
5. Drill (Mandrillus leucophaeus): Drills are closely related to mandrills and are native to West Africa. They are large and robust monkeys, with adult males weighing up to 40 kilograms (88 pounds).
6. Japanese macaque (Macaca fuscata): Japanese macaques, also known as snow monkeys, are medium to large-sized monkeys. While not as heavy as some other species, they have a stout build. Adult males weigh around 15 to 20 kilograms (33 to 44 pounds).
7. Guereza colobus (Colobus guereza): Guereza colobus monkeys, also called eastern black-and-white colobus, are large arboreal monkeys native to Africa. They have a long tail and a striking black and white coloration. Adult males can weigh up to 13 kilograms (29 pounds).

Small types of monkeys

Here, we are providing a few small types of monkeys:

1. Pygmy Marmoset (Cebuella pygmaea): The pygmy marmoset holds the title for the world’s smallest monkey. They are native to the rainforests of South America and typically weigh around 100 grams (3.5 ounces). They have a tiny body size and are known for their impressive leaping abilities.
2. Tamarin monkeys (Various species): Tamarins are small monkey species found in Central and South America. They have a slender body and are known for their long, thin tails. Some species include the cotton-top tamarin, golden lion tamarin, and emperor tamarin.
3. Squirrel Monkey (Saimiri): Squirrel monkeys are small primates found in the tropical forests of Central and South America. They have a compact body and a long, non-prehensile tail. They are highly agile and known for their active and social behavior.
4. Owl Monkey (Aotus): Owl monkeys, also known as night monkeys, are small primates native to Central and South America. They have large, round eyes adapted for nocturnal activity. Owl monkeys have a stocky build and are active during the night.
5. Lion-tailed Macaque (Macaca silenus): The lion-tailed macaque is a small to medium-sized monkey species found in the Western Ghats of India. They are known for their distinctive mane-like hair around their faces. Adult males typically weigh between 10 to 20 kilograms (22 to 44 pounds).
6. Golden-headed Lion Tamarin (Leontopithecus chrysomelas): Golden-headed lion tamarins are small monkeys native to Brazil. They have a golden mane around their heads, contrasting with their black bodies. Adult males typically weigh around 600 to 700 grams (1.3 to 1.5 pounds).
7. Marmosets (Various species): Marmosets are small monkeys found in South America. They have a small body size, with most species weighing between 250 to 400 grams (0.55 to 0.88 pounds). Common marmosets and pygmy marmosets are examples of marmoset species.

FAQs on types of monkeys