Old World Monkeys

Old World Monkeys

Description
Description

Old World monkeys, belonging to the family Cercopithecidae, are primates native to Africa and Asia, distinguishing them from their New World counterparts found in the Americas. These diverse species vary greatly in size, diet, and habitat, living in rainforests, savannas, and even mountainous regions. They're characterized by their downward-facing nostrils, non-prehensile tails, and often ischial callosities—hardened skin patches for sitting. Their evolutionary lineage is ancient, tracing back over 25 million years. Old World monkeys showcase a range of social structures and behaviors, with some living in large, complex groups. They play vital roles in their ecosystems as seed dispersers and prey for larger predators.

Anatomy
Anatomy

Old World monkeys possess a diverse anatomy adapted to their varied habitats. Generally, they have strong, agile limbs for climbing and, in some species, for moving swiftly on the ground. Their hands and feet are dexterous, equipped for grasping branches and, in some species, manipulating objects. Unlike New World monkeys, their tails aren't prehensile. Their faces often showcase prominent noses with nostrils facing downwards. Vision is a strong sense for them, aiding in foraging and social interactions, and many species are dichromatic. Vocal communication is complex, ranging from warning calls to social chatter. Old World monkeys rely heavily on these senses and physical traits for survival and social dynamics.

Human Interactions
Human Interactions

Old World monkeys share a deep-rooted history with humans, both in folklore and ecological interplay. In many cultures, they feature in myths and religious texts, symbolizing wisdom or mischief. Pop culture often portrays them as playful and intelligent, as seen in movies like "Aladdin."

Unfortunately, this relationship has its dark side, with numerous species falling victim to habitat destruction and illegal pet trade. Conservation efforts are underway, focusing on habitat preservation and legal protection. Zoos play a role in education and breeding programs, while sanctuaries provide refuge. This multifaceted relationship highlights both our fascination and responsibility towards these primates.

Common Questions
Common Questions
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.

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
Hamadryas Baboon (Papio hamadryas)
Scale illustration of an average Hamadryas Baboon compared to other species of Old World Monkeys

The Hamadryas Baboon (Papio Hamadryas) is a species of primate native to eastern Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. They are the northernmost baboons in the world. The males of the species are nearly twice the size of the females, and are identifiable by the males’ silver-white cape and pink faces. They live in troops of hundreds of baboons, and forage for plants together. They’re highly social, and groom and even comfort each other every day. They sleep in high places, such as cliff sides, for security. In ancient Egypt they were worshiped and nicknamed the ”sacred baboon”.

Hamadryas Baboons have a head-body length of 19.3”-27.6” (49-70 cm), tail length of 14.6”-23.6” (37-60 cm), height on all fours of 18.1”-26.4” (46-67 cm), and body width between 13”-17.7” (33-45 cm). The typical weight of the Hamadryas Baboon is in the range of 22-66 lb (10-30 kg). Hamadryas Baboons have lifespans between 20-30 years in the wild and 31-38 years in captivity.

Group of measured illustrations of the Hamadryas Baboon seen from the front and side
The Hamadryas Baboon (Papio Hamadryas) is a species of primate native to eastern Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. They are the northernmost baboons in the world. The males of the species are nearly twice the size of the females, and are identifiable by the males’ silver-white cape and pink faces.

Hamadryas Baboons have a head-body length of 19.3”-27.6” (49-70 cm), tail length of 14.6”-23.6” (37-60 cm), height on all fours of 18.1”-26.4” (46-67 cm), and body width between 13”-17.7” (33-45 cm). The typical weight of the Hamadryas Baboon is in the range of 22-66 lb (10-30 kg). Hamadryas Baboons have lifespans between 20-30 years in the wild and 31-38 years in captivity.

Group of measured illustrations of the Hamadryas Baboon seen from the front and side
Hamadryas Baboon (Papio hamadryas)
Height:
18.1”-26.4” | 46-67 cm
Width:
13”-17.7” | 33-45 cm
Length:
19.3”-27.6” | 49-70 cm
Depth:
Weight:
22-66 lb | 10-30 kg
Area:

Tail Length: 14.6”-23.6” | 37-60 cm

Scientific Name
Papio hamadryas
Lifespan
20-30 years (wild); 31-38 years (captivity)

Drawings include:

Hamadryas Baboon side elevation (assorted), front

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Patas Monkey (Erythrocebus patas)
Comparison drawing of the Patas Monkey compared to similar Old World Monkey species at scale

The Patas Monkey (Erythrocebus patas) is a species of primate native to Africa. They are have an orange-brown coat with a white underside and a grey mane. They also have cushioned bottoms that makes sitting more comfortable, like portable seat cushions. Patas monkeys live in the grasslands and savanna of central Africa. Unlike many other primates, they prefer to live in the open, and use the tall grasses of the savanna to hide from predators instead of trees. It also helps that they are the fastest primates in the world and can reach speeds up to thirty-five miles per hour.

Patas Monkeys have a head-body length of 19.3”-34.6” (49-88 cm), tail length of 18.9”-28.3” (48-72 cm), height on all fours of 16.5”-29.5” (42-75 cm), and body width between 5.5”-9.8” (14-25 cm). The typical weight of the Patas Monkey is in the range of 14.3-27.5 lb (6.5-12.5 kg). Patas Monkeys have lifespans between 15-24 years in the wild and 20-30 years in captivity.

Series of dimensioned drawings of the Patas Monkey in front and side views
The Patas Monkey (Erythrocebus patas) is a species of primate native to Africa. They are have a orange-brown coat with a white underside and a grey mane. They also have cushioned bottoms that makes sitting more comfortable, like portable seat cushions. Patas monkeys live in the grasslands of Africa.

Patas Monkeys have a head-body length of 19.3”-34.6” (49-88 cm), tail length of 18.9”-28.3” (48-72 cm), height on all fours of 16.5”-29.5” (42-75 cm), and body width between 5.5”-9.8” (14-25 cm). The typical weight of the Patas Monkey is in the range of 14.3-27.5 lb (6.5-12.5 kg). Patas Monkeys have lifespans between 15-24 years in the wild and 20-30 years in captivity.

Series of dimensioned drawings of the Patas Monkey in front and side views
Patas Monkey (Erythrocebus patas)
Height:
16.5”-29.5” | 42-75 cm
Width:
5.5”-9.8” | 14-25 cm
Length:
19.3”-34.6” | 49-88 cm
Depth:
Weight:
14.3-27.5 lb | 6.5-12.5 kg
Area:

Tail Length: 18.9”-28.3” | 48-72 cm

Scientific Name
Erythrocebus patas
Lifespan
15-24 years (wild); 20-30 years (captivity)

Drawings include:

Patas Monkey side elevation (assorted), front

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

The Japanese Macaque, or snow monkey (Macaca fuscata) is a primate native to Japan. They are set apart by their pink posteriors and thick, gray or brown fur, which keeps them warm through the winter. They are omnivores, eating everything from fungi to crayfish, and have cheek pouches that extend down their necks to store food. They live in the forests of Honshi, Shikoku, and Kyushu islands, and a few smaller islands. They earned their nickname, ‘snow monkey’ because they thrive in the snow. They make snowballs for fun and bathe in hot springs heated by volcanos to keep warm during the harsh winters.

Japanese Macaques have a head-body length of 20.5”-22.4” (52-57 cm), tail length of 2.75”-3.9” (7-10 cm), height on all fours of 15.75”-17.7” (40-45 cm), and body width between 7.5”-8.3” (19-21 cm). The typical weight of the Japanese Macaque is in the range of 17.6-26.5 lb (8-12 kg). Japanese Macaques have lifespans between 22-32 years in the wild and 27-39 years in captivity.

Series of dimensioned drawings of the Japanese Macaque in front and side views
The Japanese Macaque, or snow monkey (Macaca fuscata) is a primate native to Japan. They are set apart by their pink posteriors and thick, gray or brown fur, which keeps them warm through the winter. They are omnivores, eating everything from fungi to crayfish, and have extended cheek pouches.

Japanese Macaques have a head-body length of 20.5”-22.4” (52-57 cm), tail length of 2.75”-3.9” (7-10 cm), height on all fours of 15.75”-17.7” (40-45 cm), and body width between 7.5”-8.3” (19-21 cm). The typical weight of the Japanese Macaque is in the range of 17.6-26.5 lb (8-12 kg). Japanese Macaques have lifespans between 22-32 years in the wild and 27-39 years in captivity.

Series of dimensioned drawings of the Japanese Macaque in front and side views
Japanese Macaque (Macaca fuscata)
Height:
15.75”-17.7” | 40-45 cm
Width:
7.5”-8.3” | 19-21 cm
Length:
20.5”-22.4” | 52-57 cm
Depth:
Weight:
17.6-26.5 lb | 8-12 kg
Area:

Tail Length: 2.75”-3.9” | 7-10 cm

Scientific Name
Macaca fuscata
Lifespan
22-32 years (wild); 27-39 years (captivity)

Drawings include:

Japanese Macaque side elevation (assorted), front

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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

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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

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