Cercopithecidae – Baboons & macaques
Some of the Old World monkeys have perfected the art of a New World urban living
The largest family of primates – 160 species strong!
They differ from apes in having a tail (the family name means ‘tailed apes’) and from new world monkeys in not having a prehensile tail (tails which can grasp and cling). But all in all, they’re closer to apes genetically than to new world monkeys (in a sense, they form a link between the two).
Their striking specific individuality is often displayed by their brightly colored faces or other body organs (not always, though). Most old-world monkeys are omnivorous (but more tilted towards an herbivorous diet) and often feed on anything edible. One characteristic common in all species is the closely placed nostrils, distinguishing them from other primates.
Genera in this family
Their cheek pouches can hold the same amount of food as their stomachs
Completely change their fur color when they grow up
Show diversification in fur type, beards, face markings, and brightly colored spots
Highly sensitive to hunting and habitat destruction, they are probably the most threatened genus of primates in Africa
A rare case of gender-equal society in the animal world
Famous for their ability to vocal signaling
We are social monkeys that are native to the forests of Africa
Admired for their intelligence in Egyptian mythology, these animals were considered guardians of the dead
Family of the fastest monkeys
Some of the most peculiarly colored monkeys
Possibly only about 1300 of these individuals are present in the wild
Drills & Mandrills are both the most colorful primates
Most herbivorous of all monkeys! Native to the Ethiopian Highlands
Its exaggerated nose has been a subject of scientific intrigue and debate
