Habitat of monkey

By: Prof. Dr. Fazal Rehman Shamil | Last updated: February 3, 2024

Habitat of monkey

A group of primates known as monkeys have a diverse distribution. They can be found in a variety of habitats around the globe. Their distribution includes tropical and subtropical regions such as

  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Central America
  • South America

Within each habitat, different monkey species have specific adaptations and preferences for certain ecological niches. Monkeys are incredibly diverse in their

  • Behavior
  • Diet
  • Habitat requirements

This characteristic allows them to flourish in various environments across the world. Let us discuss some of the major habitats where monkeys are commonly found:

  1. Rainforests: Monkeys are well adapted to live in the luxurious rainforests of
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Central and South America

These dense forests provide a rich and diverse environment with abundant food sources, including

  • Fruits
  • Leaves
  • Insects
  • Small vertebrates
  1. Tropical Forests: Monkeys are also found in tropical forests outside of the rainforest regions. These forests are characterized by
  • Warm climate
  • Heavy rainfall

So these forests provide home to various monkey species. They can be found in

  • Southeast Asia
  • Parts of India
  • Certain areas of central America
  1. Savannas and Grasslands: Some monkey species have adapted to live in savannas and grassland habitats. These open habitats can be found in parts of Africa, where monkeys such as baboons and vervet monkeys can be observed living in groups and foraging on
  • Grasses
  • Fruits
  • Other vegetation
  1. Mountains and Highland Forests: In regions with mountainous terrain, monkeys can inhabit forests and highland areas.

For example: The Japanese macaque, also known as the snow monkey, is known to inhabit mountainous regions. This monkey can endure cold temperatures as well as snowy conditions.

  1. Semi-arid and Dry Forests: These areas can be found in parts of Africa. In these areas monkeys have adapted to feed on a variety of
  • Plants
  • Seeds
  • Grasses

Some monkey species like the gelada, and the olive baboon and are capable of surviving in semi-arid regions and dry forests.

  1. Mangrove Forests: Mangrove forests provide monkeys with a mix of terrestrial and aquatic resources, including
  • Leaves
  • Fruits
  • Occasional swim in the water

The proboscis monkey is example of monkey species that has adapted to live in mangrove habitats. These unique environments are only found in Borneo and coastal Southeast Asian regions.