There Are Over 250 Primate Species—Can You Name More Than 11?

The common chimpanzee is one of the prime examples of the high level of intelligence in nonhuman primates. They can easily make use of simple tools (like rocks and spears) and function in complex social communities that can easily reach over 100 members.

As the name suggests, the Japanese macaque is native only to the islands of Japan. They are notable for being the most northern-living primate in the world (aside from humans) and also the one that lives in the coldest climate.

Even though it is the most numerous species of gorilla in the world, the western gorilla is still critically endangered. Low reproductive rates, diseases and human encroachment have all led to a drastic decline in the population in recent years.

One of the most notable things about the Barbary macaque is the fact that it is the only nonhuman primate that can be found in Europe (aside from other captive species). This small European population exists only in Gibraltar, with all others being located in the Atlas Mountains in North Africa.

The white-fronted capuchin is notable for being one of the most well-known and widely studied New World monkeys. They are primarily found on the South American mainland, with a small population also being located in Trinidad and Tobago.

Orangutans are the only group of great apes that can be found in Asia, and the Borneo orangutan is a specific species that can be found on the island of Borneo. Deforestation and other human-related activities have led to it being classified as critically endangered.

The mandrill holds the distinction of being the largest species of monkey in the world. Aside from humans, the mandrill is the primate that forms the largest gatherings—with the largest stable mandrill horde ever recorded having over 1,300 members.

Due to a distinct bright patch of skin on its chest, the gelada is oftentimes referred to as the bleeding-heart monkey. They are endemic to the Ethiopian highlands where they feed primarily on grasses, flowers, fruits and other vegetation—insects are only eaten on rare occasions.

The banded surili is a species of relatively small monkey that can be found throughout Southeast Asia. It is also known as the banded langur or the banded leaf monkey.

While it is called the "brown" howler, this species of South American monkey can be found in colors that range from black to reddish-orange. They are found primarily in Brazil and a small section of Argentina.

The golden lion tamarin is currently classified as endangered, and it only has a relatively small range on the southeastern coast of Brazil. Aside from this small population, there are approximately 400 to 500 golden lion tamarins in zoos all across the world.

Humans are the most notable primates in the world for several reasons. We have the largest population (when it comes to primates), the highest level of intelligence of all animals, and the most complex social structures.

The Hainan black crested gibbon is critically endangered with a population a few dozen living in the Hainan Bawangling National Nature Reserve. They have not been able to breed in captivity, and in the wild, they have relatively slow population growth.

One of the most distinctive things about the uakari is its skull-like, bald face. These features are primarily due to the fact that they have a negligible amount of subcutaneous fat.

The siamang is notable for being the largest gibbons in the world, being able to reach over 3 feet in height. Endemic to the Southeast Asian countries of Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia, they are currently endangered.

The red-shanked douc is a monkey from Southeast Asia that spends most of its time in trees, climbing down to drink water on occasion. They are currently endangered and are found primarily in Laos and Vietnam.

The crested mona monkey makes its home in the western reaches of Central Africa, where it can usually be seen in lowland rainforests. Perhaps one of their most notable physical features is the fact that males have a blue scrotum.

The white-faced saki is a species of primate that makes its home in the northeastern reaches of South America—from eastern Venezuela to the Guianas and northern Brazil. They feed primarily on plant matter; however, they can sometimes be observed eating bats, insects and birds.

The olive baboon is a species of highly social primates that is also sometimes referred to as the Anubis baboon. This species is notable for being the most wide-ranging baboon in the world, and it is found in over two dozen African countries.

The proboscis monkey's name is a direct reference to the extremely large noses that males of the species have. They are one of the largest primates that are native to Asia and they are found only on the island of Borneo.

The Philippine tarsier holds the distinction of being the mammalian species that has the highest eye to body size ratio. They are currently near threatened, primarily due to loss of habitat and rapid urbanization.

Hunting and habitat loss have lead to the southern white-cheeked gibbon being currently classifies as endangered. One of the most notable things about this species is the fact that mature males are black and mature females are light brown.

There are less than 100 white-headed langurs in the world today, and as a result of this, they are classed as one of the most endangered primates in the world. They are only native to an extremely small region along the border of China and Vietnam.

Due to its coloration and geographical distribution, the king colobus is oftentimes referred to as the western black-and-white colobus. They live in relatively small social groups (less than 10 adults) and feed primarily on plant matter (fruit, leaves, and flowers).

While one would think that the crab-eating macaque gets its name from its primary food source, this is not the case. In fact, their diet primarily consists of fruits, leaves, and seeds; however, they have been observed diving for crabs and also eating small birds and fish.

The western hoolock gibbon can primarily be found in Bangladesh, Myanmar, and India, usually in leafy trees. They are currently endangered due to hunting, deforestation, and other human activities.

The Guatemalan black howler is notable for being one off the largest monkeys that can be found in the Americas. In addition to this, it is also the largest monkey that is native to Central America and the largest howler monkey in the world.

The ring-tailed lemur is notable for being one of the most well-known lemurs in the world. They are native only to the southern reaches of Madagascar and are currently endangered in the wild.

The native range of the golden snub-nosed monkey exist only in Southwestern China, here it can be found living in mountainous forests. It is also known as the Sichuan golden hair monkey in China.

The northern muriqui is found only in a small region of the Brazilian-Atlantic coast and it is currently classified as endangered. It is notable for being the largest monkey in the Americas.

While it may be the largest mouse lemur in the world, the gray mouse lemur is still one of the smallest primate species. You'll only see it out at night and mostly in trees.

The bonobo is native only to a relatively small region in Central Africa and human influence has drastically reduced its population in recent years. They are currently endangered and are also one of the closest living relatives to humans

The red-faced spider monkey is notable for being of of the most skilled climbers out of all primates. Like all spider monkeys they are notable for their prehensile tails that they use for balance and climbing.

The western red colobus is a species of monkey that is native only to the western coast of Africa. They are currently endangered, with disease and human activity claiming a large portion of their lives in the wild.

The maroon leaf monkey gets its name from its coloration and the fact that it is most often found residing in trees and feeding on leaves. Endemic to the island of Borneo, they are largely herbivorous.

While the Guinea baboon notably spends most of its time on the ground, they make a distinct effort to sleep in trees once night falls. The Guinea baboon is notable for being the smallest species of baboon in the world.

Like all lemurs, the crowned lemur can only be found in Madagascar in the wild. This specific species is endangered and only lives at the northernmost tip of the island.

The White-eared titi is found primarily in Bolivia, with only a small portion of its range extending into eastern Brazil. They are distinctive for being one of the notable primates species that has monogamous relationships.

The pygmy marmoset is a species of small primate that is native to the eastern reaches of South America. Although it is not the smallest primate in the world, it holds the record for begin the smallest monkey.

The emperor tamarin is a relatively small primate that is found in the eastern reaches of South America, around the borders of Brazil, Peru, and Bolivia. Its most notable physical feature is its long white beard that reaches down past its shoulders.