Amazing Monkey facts. Did you know...
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General Monkey Facts
Some monkeys are arboreal (live in trees) while others are principally terrestrial (live on the ground).
Most monkeys are 'diurnal', meaning they are active in the day and sleep at night, just like humans. Douroucoulis or Owl Monkeys, however, are the world's only 'nocturnal' monkeys (active in the dark). They have huge eyes that help them see in the dark - just like owls!
Monkey diets differ among the various species but can include fruit, leaves, seeds, nuts, flowers, eggs and even small animals (including insects and spiders).
Monkeys range significantly in size and weight, from the Pygmy Marmoset measuring 140-160 mm long and weighing 120-140g, to the male Mandrill, which can grow up over 1m long and weigh 50kg.
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Monkeys around the world
There are 264 known monkey species across the world – though there may still be some as yet undiscovered!
Species of monkey found in Central and South America are called New World Monkeys. Those found in Africa and Asia are called Old World Monkeys.
Tiny squirrel-sized tamarin monkeys, found in South America's Amazon basin, usually give birth to twin babies.
South American Titis are small, noisy monkeys whose males and females mate for life.
Baby langur monkeys, native to Asia, are looked after by a babysitter while their mothers look for food.
The proboscis monkey, which can only be found in the wild on the South-Asian island of Borneo, is immediately recognisable due to the males' huge nose – which can grow up to 20cm long!
Japanese macaques bathe in hot springs to keep warm in freezing winter months.
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Facts about Baboons and Vervets
Baboons and vervets, like those rescued by the Lilongwe Wildlife Centre, are Old World Monkeys.
Vervet monkeys are found in the wild from as far north as Ethiopia down to South Africa. Baboon species (of which there are five) range even more widely, across most of the African continent.
Vervets can live for approximately 20 years in the wild and baboons have an average lifespan of around 30 years.
Vervet "troops" often number 20 or more, whereas baboons can live in groups of up to 250 individuals. Such large troops give the monkeys greater safety against potential predators.
Vervet monkey alarm calls vary greatly depending on the different types of threats to the community. There are distinct calls to warn of invading leopards, snakes, and eagles. Baboons also have their own 'language', frequently raising their eyebrows and flashing their eyelids to communicate with other members of their troop.
Large, strong baboons team up to hunt young antelopes to feed their families. They sometimes also prey on goats and sheep, making them unpopular with farmers.
