Old World Monkeys is a name for a family of primates in the family of Cercopithecidae. They include baboons, red colobus, macaques, etc. These monkeys show different characteristics and physical features. Talapoin is the smallest, while male mandrill is the largest. Baboons are terrestrial, while colobus monkeys are arboreal. Some Old World monkeys have flat noses while others have snouts. Besides, most have tails, which may show coloration. We mostly find them in shrublands, savannahs, mountainous regions, and tropical rain forests of Africa and Asia. These land animals are omnivorous and opportunistic, capable of snatching food from your hand.

What is the difference between the Old World and New World monkeys?

New World monkeys are found in America. They have a prehensile tail, enabling them to climb trees faster. They also have a high rate of reproduction and a shorter lifespan. Old World monkeys, on the other hand, are usually large and have a downward-pointing nostril, two premolars, and a non-grasping tail. Besides, we can find Old World monkeys in Africa and Asia.

Why do Old World monkeys have tails?

The tails of Old World monkeys are just for providing balance and support when moving among trees and during feeding, but not for grasping or holding an object or food like those of New World monkeys. Some species of Old World monkeys have long tails and others have short tails.

What do Old World monkeys typically eat?

Old World monkeys are browsers. Their diet includes fruits, flowers, leaves, rhizomes, insects, and even small mammals. Apart from these, they can also eat handouts and even garbage. This partial omnivore feature makes them easily adaptable to most environments. Thus, you can easily find them in zoos or people’s houses as pets.

Old World Monkeys Guides
Browse through our curated Old World Monkeys Guides for additional categorizations, tips, details, variations, styles, and histories of Old World Monkeys. Guides provide additional insights into the unique properties and shared relationships between elements.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
14.2”-22” | 36-56 cm
6.7”-10.6” | 17-27 cm
17.7”-27.6” | 45-70 cm
22-35 lb | 10-16 kg
20-25 years (wild); 25-30 years (captivity)
Barbary Macaque
56.000
27.000
70.000
16.000
30.00
GUIDE
3D
Barbary Macaque
11”-17.7” | 28-45 cm
5.1”-8.7” | 13-22 cm
13.8”-23.6” | 35-60 cm
7.7-20 lb | 3.5-9 kg
20-30 years (wild); 30-35 years (captivity)
Bonnet Macaque
45.000
22.000
60.000
9.000
35.00
GUIDE
3D
Bonnet Macaque
18.1”-26.4” | 46-67 cm
13”-17.7” | 33-45 cm
19.3”-27.6” | 49-70 cm
22-66 lb | 10-30 kg
20-30 years (wild); 31-38 years (captivity)
Hamadryas Baboon
67.000
45.000
70.000
30.000
38.00
GUIDE
3D
Hamadryas Baboon
15.75”-17.7” | 40-45 cm
7.5”-8.3” | 19-21 cm
20.5”-22.4” | 52-57 cm
17.6-26.5 lb | 8-12 kg
22-32 years (wild); 27-39 years (captivity)
Japanese Macaque
45.000
21.000
57.000
12.000
39.00
GUIDE
3D
Japanese Macaque
13”-18.1” | 33-46 cm
7.9”-11” | 20-28 cm
16.5”-24” | 42-61 cm
6.6-22 lb | 3-10 kg
20-30 years (wild); 30-35 years (captivity)
Lion-Tailed Macaque
46.000
28.000
61.000
10.000
35.00
GUIDE
3D
Lion-Tailed Macaque
20.5”-35.4” | 52-90 cm
9.4”-16.5” | 24-42 cm
21.7”-37.4” | 55-95 cm
26.5-81.5 lb | 12-37 kg
20-28 years (wild); 32-40 years (captivity)
Mandrill
90.000
42.000
95.000
37.000
40.00
GUIDE
3D
Mandrill
16.5”-29.5” | 42-75 cm
5.5”-9.8” | 14-25 cm
19.3”-34.6” | 49-88 cm
14.3-27.5 lb | 6.5-12.5 kg
15-24 years (wild); 20-30 years (captivity)
Patas Monkey
75.000
25.000
88.000
12.500
30.00
GUIDE
3D
Patas Monkey
16.1”-22.8” | 41-58 cm
8.7”-11.4” | 22-29 cm
20.9”-29.9” | 53-76 cm
15.4-50.7 lb | 7-23 kg
15-20 years (wild); 17-23 years (captivity)
Proboscis Monkey
58.000
29.000
76.000
23.000
23.00
GUIDE
3D
Proboscis Monkey
16.1”-22.4” | 41-57 cm
7.9”-11” | 20-28 cm
18.5”-25.2” | 47-64 cm
11.7-17 lb | 5.3-7.7 kg
20-30 years (wild); 25-40 years (captivity)
Rhesus Macaque
57.000
28.000
64.000
7.700
40.00
GUIDE
3D
Rhesus Macaque
Mandrill (Mandrillus sphinx)
Scale illustration of an average Mandrill compared to other species of Old World Monkeys

The Mandrill (Mandrillus Sphinx) is a species of large primate native to equatorial Africa. Mandrills have brightly colored faces and just as brightly colored rumps. Their coloring not only labels them as attractive to their mates, but also helps them to follow each other through the dense and dark jungle. They are the largest of the Old World Monkeys in the world. Mandrills live in tropical rainforests, and while they mostly walk along the forest floor, their opposable thumbs allow them to climb all the way to the canopy. Much like pet hamsters, mandrills have cheek pouches for food storage. They eat fruits and nuts as well as small animals.

Mandrills have a head-body length of 21.7”-37.4” (55-95 cm), tail length of 2”-3.9” (5-10 cm), height on all fours of 20.5”-35.4” (52-90 cm), and body width between 9.4”-16.5” (24-42 cm). The typical weight of the Mandrill is in the range of 26.5-81.5 lb (12-37 kg). Mandrills have lifespans between 20-28 years in the wild and 32-40 years in captivity.

Group of measured illustrations of the Mandrill seen from the front and side
The Mandrill (Mandrillus Sphinx) is a species of large primate native to equatorial Africa. Mandrills have brightly colored faces and just as brightly colored rumps. Their coloring not only labels them as attractive to their mates, but also helps them to follow each other through the dense jungle.

Mandrills have a head-body length of 21.7”-37.4” (55-95 cm), tail length of 2”-3.9” (5-10 cm), height on all fours of 20.5”-35.4” (52-90 cm), and body width between 9.4”-16.5” (24-42 cm). The typical weight of the Mandrill is in the range of 26.5-81.5 lb (12-37 kg). Mandrills have lifespans between 20-28 years in the wild and 32-40 years in captivity.

Group of measured illustrations of the Mandrill seen from the front and side
Mandrill (Mandrillus sphinx)
Height:
20.5”-35.4” | 52-90 cm
Width:
9.4”-16.5” | 24-42 cm
Length:
21.7”-37.4” | 55-95 cm
Depth:
Weight:
26.5-81.5 lb | 12-37 kg
Area:

Tail Length: 2”-3.9” | 5-10 cm

Scientific Name
Mandrillus sphinx
Lifespan
20-28 years (wild); 32-40 years (captivity)

Drawings include:

Mandrill side elevation (assorted), front

Details & Downloads

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads

Proboscis Monkey (Nasalis larvatus)
Drawing comparing the size of the Proboscis Monkey to similar Old World Monkey species

The Proboscis Monkey (Nasalis larvatus) is a primate species native to Asia. They get their name from their large, bulbous noses. These noses are larger in the males, and may be used to amplify their calls and impress the others in their group. They live in the mangrove forests and lowland rainforests of the island of Borneo. They have webbing between their toes that helps them swim, an important adaptation since they live mostly on the coast and will leave their treetops to leap into rivers. They can swim up to twenty meters underwater without coming up for air.

Proboscis Monkeys have a head-body length of 20.9”-29.9” (53-76 cm), tail length of 20.5”-29.5” (52-75 cm), height on all fours of 16.1”-22.8” (41-58 cm), and body width between 8.7”-11.4” (22-29 cm). The typical weight of the Proboscis Monkey is in the range of 15.4-50.7 lb (7-23 kg). Proboscis Monkeys have lifespans between 15-20 years in the wild and 17-23 years in captivity.

Collection of dimensioned scaled drawings of the Proboscis Monkey viewed from the side and front elevations
The Proboscis Monkey (Nasalis larvatus) is a primate species native to Asia. They get their name from their large, bulbous noses. These noses are larger in the males, and may be used to amplify their calls and impress the others in their group. They live in the mangrove forests and lowland forests.

Proboscis Monkeys have a head-body length of 20.9”-29.9” (53-76 cm), tail length of 20.5”-29.5” (52-75 cm), height on all fours of 16.1”-22.8” (41-58 cm), and body width between 8.7”-11.4” (22-29 cm). The typical weight of the Proboscis Monkey is in the range of 15.4-50.7 lb (7-23 kg). Proboscis Monkeys have lifespans between 15-20 years in the wild and 17-23 years in captivity.

Collection of dimensioned scaled drawings of the Proboscis Monkey viewed from the side and front elevations
Proboscis Monkey (Nasalis larvatus)
Height:
16.1”-22.8” | 41-58 cm
Width:
8.7”-11.4” | 22-29 cm
Length:
20.9”-29.9” | 53-76 cm
Depth:
Weight:
15.4-50.7 lb | 7-23 kg
Area:

Tail Length: 20.5”-29.5” | 52-75 cm

Scientific Name
Nasalis larvatus
Lifespan
15-20 years (wild); 17-23 years (captivity)

Drawings include:

Proboscis Monkey side elevation (assorted), front

Details & Downloads

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads

Lion-Tailed Macaque (Macaca silenus)
Drawing comparing the size of the Lion-Tailed Macaque to similar Old World Monkey species

The Lion-Tailed Macaque, or wanderoo, (Macaca silenus) is a primate native to India. They are named after the tuft of fur at the end of their tail which bears resemblance to the tuft on a lion’s tail. They are also identifiable by their silver mane around their faces. It is this mane that led the Germans to call them ”bearded monkeys”. Lion-tailed macaques are omnivorous but prefer fruit to anything else. They live in the tropical forests of the Western Ghats mountains in southwestern India, and are arboreal, meaning they live their entire lives in the upper canopy of the forests.

Lion-Tailed Macaques have a head-body length of 16.5”-24” (42-61 cm), tail length of 9.8”-15.4” (25-39 cm), height on all fours of 13”-18.1” (33-46 cm), and body width between 7.9”-11” (20-28 cm). The typical weight of the Lion-Tailed Macaque is in the range of 6.6-22 lb (3-10 kg). Lion-Tailed Macaques have lifespans between 20-30 years in the wild and 30-35 years in captivity.

Collection of dimensioned scaled drawings of the Lion-Tailed Macaque viewed from the side and front elevations
The Lion-Tailed Macaque, or wanderoo, (Macaca silenus) is a primate native to India. They are named after the tuft of fur at the end of their tail which bears resemblance to the tuft on a lion’s tail. They are also identifiable by their silver mane around their faces.

Lion-Tailed Macaques have a head-body length of 16.5”-24” (42-61 cm), tail length of 9.8”-15.4” (25-39 cm), height on all fours of 13”-18.1” (33-46 cm), and body width between 7.9”-11” (20-28 cm). The typical weight of the Lion-Tailed Macaque is in the range of 6.6-22 lb (3-10 kg). Lion-Tailed Macaques have lifespans between 20-30 years in the wild and 30-35 years in captivity.

Collection of dimensioned scaled drawings of the Lion-Tailed Macaque viewed from the side and front elevations
Lion-Tailed Macaque (Macaca silenus)
Height:
13”-18.1” | 33-46 cm
Width:
7.9”-11” | 20-28 cm
Length:
16.5”-24” | 42-61 cm
Depth:
Weight:
6.6-22 lb | 3-10 kg
Area:

Tail Length: 9.8”-15.4” | 25-39 cm

Scientific Name
Macaca silenus
Lifespan
20-30 years (wild); 30-35 years (captivity)

Drawings include:

Lion-Tailed Macaque side elevation (assorted), front

Details & Downloads

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads

Barbary Macaque (Macaca sylvanus)
Comparison drawing of the Barbary Macaque compared to similar Old World Monkey species at scale

The Barbary Macaque (Macaca sylvanus) is a medium sized primate native to northern Africa. They are distinguishable by their light brown heads and even lighter bodies, and their lack of a visible tail. The barbary macaque is the only macaque not native to Asia. Before the Ice Age, they were found in most of Europe, and barbary macaque remains from 200 BC have even been found in Northern Ireland. There is also a population of barbary macaques living in Gibraltar. They are descendants of the north African population, and are thought to have been brought to Gibraltar by the Moors between 711 and 1492.

Barbary Macaques have a head-body length of 17.7”-27.6” (45-70 cm), tail length of .4”-.8” (1-2 cm), height on all fours of 14.2”-22” (36-56 cm), and body width between 6.7”-10.6” (17-27 cm). The typical weight of the Barbary Macaque is in the range of 22-35 lb (10-16 kg). Barbary Macaques have lifespans between 20-25 years in the wild and 25-30 years in captivity.

Series of dimensioned drawings of the Barbary Macaque in front and side views
The Barbary Macaque (Macaca sylvanus) is a medium sized primate native to northern Africa. They are distinguishable by their light brown heads and even lighter bodies, and their lack of a visible tail. The barbary macaque is the only macaque not native to Asia.

Barbary Macaques have a head-body length of 17.7”-27.6” (45-70 cm), tail length of .4”-.8” (1-2 cm), height on all fours of 14.2”-22” (36-56 cm), and body width between 6.7”-10.6” (17-27 cm). The typical weight of the Barbary Macaque is in the range of 22-35 lb (10-16 kg). Barbary Macaques have lifespans between 20-25 years in the wild and 25-30 years in captivity.

Series of dimensioned drawings of the Barbary Macaque in front and side views
Barbary Macaque (Macaca sylvanus)
Height:
14.2”-22” | 36-56 cm
Width:
6.7”-10.6” | 17-27 cm
Length:
17.7”-27.6” | 45-70 cm
Depth:
Weight:
22-35 lb | 10-16 kg
Area:

Tail Length: .4”-.8” | 1-2 cm

Scientific Name
Macaca sylvanus
Lifespan
20-25 years (wild); 25-30 years (captivity)

Drawings include:

Barbary Macaque side elevation (assorted), front

Details & Downloads

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads

Bonnet Macaque (Macaca radiata)
Drawing comparing the size of the Bonnet Macaque to similar Old World Monkey species

The Bonnet Macaque (Macaca radiata) is a small primate native to India. They are recognizable by (and named after) the tuft of fur on their head which looks like a bonnet. They are adaptable monkeys, and are found all over southern India, not only in the forests and prairies and mountains, but also in urban areas, including villages and temples. Some tourist areas even sell rice to tourists to feed them, attracting more monkeys and then more tourists. They’ll even riffle through human trash or steal from markets and temples to find a meal. They are strong swimmers and have strong color vision.

Bonnet Macaques have a head-body length of 13.8”-23.6” (35-60 cm), tail length of 18.9”-27.2” (48-69 cm), height on all fours of 11”-17.7” (28-45 cm), and body width between 5.1”-8.7” (13-22 cm). The typical weight of the Bonnet Macaque is in the range of 7.7-20 lb (3.5-9 kg). Bonnet Macaques have lifespans between 20-30 years in the wild and 30-35 years in captivity.

Collection of dimensioned scaled drawings of the Bonnet Macaque viewed from the side and front elevations
The Bonnet Macaque (Macaca radiata) is a small primate native to India. They are recognizable by (and named after) the tuft of fur on their head which looks like a bonnet. They are adaptable monkeys, and are found all over southern India in the forests, prairies, mountains, and cities.

Bonnet Macaques have a head-body length of 13.8”-23.6” (35-60 cm), tail length of 18.9”-27.2” (48-69 cm), height on all fours of 11”-17.7” (28-45 cm), and body width between 5.1”-8.7” (13-22 cm). The typical weight of the Bonnet Macaque is in the range of 7.7-20 lb (3.5-9 kg). Bonnet Macaques have lifespans between 20-30 years in the wild and 30-35 years in captivity.

Collection of dimensioned scaled drawings of the Bonnet Macaque viewed from the side and front elevations
Bonnet Macaque (Macaca radiata)
Height:
11”-17.7” | 28-45 cm
Width:
5.1”-8.7” | 13-22 cm
Length:
13.8”-23.6” | 35-60 cm
Depth:
Weight:
7.7-20 lb | 3.5-9 kg
Area:

Tail Length: 18.9”-27.2” | 48-69 cm

Scientific Name
Macaca radiata
Lifespan
20-30 years (wild); 30-35 years (captivity)

Drawings include:

Bonnet Macaque side elevation (assorted), front

Details & Downloads

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads

Related Animals Collections
Animals