We sincerely hope that you enjoy reading this article on Breathtaking Primates of the World. As our closest relatives, these magnificent animals continually fascinate most of us. They exist in seemingly endless varieties and sizes, as well as highly varied habitats.
But each and every one remains special in its own right. That’s partly since, by observing them, we learn about both them and ourselves as well. Please, read on, and find yourself enlightened about our closest relatives among these Breathtaking Primates of the World
Bald Uakari
Bald Uakari Facts
- Leading off this article on Breathtaking Primates of the World is the astonishing species known as the Bald Uakari. Perhaps the most notable thing about this rather astonishing animal remains its physical appearance. Due to that, it easily ranks as one of the most distinctive simians known to researchers.
- Furthermore, currently only four known subspecies of this remarkable animal exist. But sadly, the IUCN presently lists all four of them as Vulnerable. This ranking occurs for reasons varying between them.
- In addition, yet another surprising fact stands out about this amazing animal. Quite uniquely, each of the recognized subspecies also coexists within the same highly restricted and specific habitat range.
- Moreover, the principal threats to the existence of this remarkable creature continue to consist of habitat loss and hunting. However, climate change will likely pose a potential threat in the near future.
Bald Uakari Physical Description
Regardless of its highly distinctive appearance, the Bald Uakari ranks as a rather small species of primate. Firstly, males average a head and body length of 18 in (45.6 cm). Meanwhile, females only average 17.3 in (44 cm). Thus, it exhibits a small degree of sexual dimorphism.
Additionally, maximum weights for both genders also range between 6.1 – 7.6 lb (2.75 – 3.45 kg). Therefore, regardless of its otherwise impressive nature, the primate ranks as quite light for a simian.
In addition, t generally displays as long and shaggy, and ranges from white in color to red and its head is bald. Its bright red face also occurs as a result of the lack of skin pigments and abundant capillaries that run under its facial tissue.
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Primates
- Family: Pitheciiidae
- Genus: cacajao
- Species: C. calvus
Bald Uakari Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology
Unfortunately, all four subspecies of the impressive Bald Uakari possess a highly restricted and rather specific habitat range. The species only inhabits seasonally flooded forests in the Amazon biome, in Peru and Brazil, in South America.
In addition, individuals primarily inhabit the trees along the sides of rivers. The exact reason for this remains a mystery to researchers, however. Also, individuals spend the majority of their time in its arboreal habitat.
Meanwhile, although technically omnivorous, it primarily consumes a variety of fruits, seeds, and flowers. Therefore, only 5% of its diet consists of meat. This typically consists of various insects it consumes opportunistically.
Finally, the animal also generally travels in small groups, ranging from 5-30 individuals. However, such groups occasionally number as many as 100 animals. Each group travels within and protects its own small territorial range.
Silvery Lutung
Silvery Lutung Facts
- Next up among our choices of Breathtaking Primates of the World comes the awesome animal known as the Silvery Lutung.
- Firstly, this simian remains a truly remarkable species classified in the genus Trachypithecus. This remarkable animal qualifies as a member of one of the groups of Old World monkeys.
- Rather surprisingly, it has a unique developmental pattern, compared to related species. That’s because, as infants, the fur of this fascinating animal typically shows a golden yellow in color.
- Furthermore, it has developed a cooperative approach to parenting. Due to this, the mother of a newborn Silvery Lutung shares the duties of raising the infant with other females of the group she forms part of.
- In addition, this animal typically reaches physical and sexual maturity within a span of 4-5 years. Finally, it also possesses a typical life expectancy in the wild measuring about 20 years.
Silvery Lutung Physical Description
Most notably, the Silvery Lutung ranks as an average-sized monkey. However, its general physique develops as quite slim, compared to similar animals. But, it does possess a comparatively long tail.
Additionally, the awesome simian does display a slight degree of sexual dimorphism. In this, it follows the pattern of the majority of simians. In its case, males attain a slightly larger size than females.
Head and body lengths for females average about 18 – 20 in (46 – 51 cm). Meanwhile, males reach a length averaging 26 – 30 in (67 – 75 cm). Furthermore, weights for females average 13 lb (5.7 kg), while males average 15 lb (6.6 kg).
Also, its coloring primarily consists of either black or dark brown fur. Yet, parts of this is tipped with gray, giving it a silvery appearance. In addition, females occasionally develop small spots of whitish hair around the groin.
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Primates
- Family: Cercopithicidae
- Genus: Tracypithecus
- Species: P. cristatus
Silvery Lutung Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology
First of all, the endemic range of the stunning Silvery Lutung only consists of two known regions. One portion of this range includes southern India and Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, the other covers much of Southeast Asia.
The animal also primarily prefers to inhabit regions of the rainforest. However, individual specimens occasionally appear in secluded mountain forests as well. Therefore, experts consider it moderately adaptable.
Additionally, this monkey generally spends the majority of the day in the trees. While there, it commonly expertly crawls along the numerous branches. This lovely monkey also occasionally leaps from tree to tree.
The species also remain diurnal in nature and usually appears more active in the mornings and afternoon. The creature usually chooses to live in small groups ranging in size from 5-20 individuals.
Lastly, the monkey evolved as entirely herbivorous, like many others of its kind. As a result of this fact, as well as its native habitat, its diet principally consists of various fruits, leaves, and buds.
Black Lemur
Black Lemur Facts
- Placing third on this list of Breathtaking Primates of the World is the remarkable creature known as the Black Lemur.
- Firstly, many find it difficult to believe that these two individuals actually represent the same species. However, they do indeed, because of a truly remarkable evolutionary trait.
- This occurs due to the fact that males and females of this remarkable primate have completely different color patterns. Although this trait isn’t exclusive to this mammal, it nevertheless remains quite rare.
- Additionally, estimates place its numbers in the wild at more than 10,000 individuals. Despite these numbers, many experts consider the species threatened, much like many species in the world today.
- Finally, threats to its natural habitat, which already qualifies as restricted, continue to increase. These include deforestation due to the practice of slash-and-burn agriculture and being hunted for both food and zoos.
Black Lemur Physical Description
Quite understandably, the Black Lemur remains a rather remarkable primate. This partly occurs due to the degree of sexual dimorphism it displays. In fact, this ranks as one of the most extreme of any primate. Thus, it more than deserves mentioning among these Breathtaking Primates of the World.
Firstly, males typically display black or occasionally extremely dark brown fur. Secondly, however, females present a much lighter brown color. In addition, females even sometimes develop an orange-brown color.
Furthermore, males have large black tufts on their ears, while those of the female display as white. The species also reaches an average size for a lemur, with an average head to tail length of 38 in (96 cm).
It also rarely exceeds 5 lb (2.25 kg) in weight. The eyes rank as yet another distinctive physical feature. The Black Lemur remains the only known primate other than man to develop blue eyes.
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Primates
- Family: Lemuridae
- Genus: Eulemur
- Species: E. macaco
Black Lemur Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology
Rather unfortunately for it, the Black Lemur has a very limited, as well as threatened, habitat range. This range consists only of the extreme northern part of the island of Madagascar and a few nearby islands.
Its natural habitat principally consists of various regions of undisturbed tropical rainforests. Yet it has also proven itself to be highly adaptable in some instances. Some individuals have adapted to tree farms and farmlands.
The majority of individuals also tend to live as social creatures, in groups of between 7 and 10 individuals. Further, these small groups tend to follow a single female, and infighting rarely occurs.
Further, it has an omnivorous diet and prefers leaves, fruit, flowers, and also insects. This animal tends to be active by both day and night, with specific patterns. By day it forages on the forest floor, and in the canopy at night.
Finally, the species also ranks as highly intelligent. Individuals have often been observed biting toxic millipedes and rubbing the toxins on their fur. This appears to ward off pesky insects, indicating a learned behavior.
Yunnan Golden Monkey
Yunnan Golden Monkey Facts
- This listing in our selection of Breathtaking Primates of the World, the Yunnan Golden Monkey, truly earns its spot on the list.
- Firstly, this simian also bears other common names, including the Golden Snub-Nosed Monkey. This alternate name rather understandably derives from the unique flattened shape of the nose.
- Most notably, researchers believed this breathtaking primate to be extinct until the year 1962. However, at that time, local residents fortunately rediscovered its presence in the region, to their astonishment.
- In addition, and sadly, the IUCN currently lists the remarkable species as Critically Endangered. This ranking occurs due to a combination of its scant numbers and highly restricted habitat range.
- Finally, the nature of its habitat sets it apart from all other known primates. This consists of locations and conditions that most species would find extremely inhospitable to life.
Yunnan Golden Monkey Physical Description
First of all, the most distinctive feature of the Yunnan Golden Monkey remains its rather uniquely shaped nose. Yet this surprising physical characteristic does not rank as its only distinguishing feature.
Like many primates, the primate also displays sexual dimorphism. In its case, males average nearly twice the size of females. The males weigh as much as 44 lb (20 kg), while females rarely exceed 31 lb (14 kg).
Also, in coloring, the bodies of both genders display combinations of brown and white fur. The heads show a covering of golden-brown guard hairs. On the males, these guard hairs usually grow longer than those of the female.
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Primates
- Family: Cercopithecidae
- Genus: Rhinopithecus
- Species: R. roxellana
Yunnan Golden Monkey Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology
The Yunnan Golden Monkey not only remains an impressive creature for its appearance, but for its hardiness, as well. That’s because it inhabits a highly restricted habitat range that consists of the high mountain ranges of Central and Southwest China, in Asia.
Within that range, however, it inhabits altitudes ranging from an astounding 4,921 – 11,483 ft (1,500 – 3,500 m). This range also includes extremely cold temperatures, as well as frequent snowfall.
Typically, the incredible animal prefers to form rather large groupings, which sometimes include as many as 600 individuals. These groupings usually defend their territory against other, rival ones.
Being herbivorous, its diet consists primarily of lichen, berries, twigs, fruit, bark, and occasionally insects. Finally, while an exact lifespan in the wild remains unknown, in captivity it lives an average of 23-26 years.
Golden-Handed Tamarin
Golden-Handed Tamarin Facts
- Placing fifth on our list of Breathtaking Primates of the World, though only due to random placing, is the fabulous Golden-Handed Tamarin.
- This stunning animal, also known as the Midas Tamarin, remains a truly astonishing species. Of further interest to many, this spellbinding creature also classifies as a variety of New World Monkey. Presently, only five recognized families fall into this category.
- Quite fortunately, its population numbers appear to be sufficient and stable, at least for the moment. This truly pleasant surprise occurs despite its having only a moderate and restricted habitat range. Due to these factors, the IUCN classifies it as Least Concern.
- Rather interestingly, the remarkable primate also appears to be expanding its territorial range. Unfortunately, however, that new range overlaps into that of another variety of tamarin. Evidence indicates that the Golden-Handed Tamarin is slowly displacing the other species.
Golden-Handed Tamarin Physical Description
The Golden-Handed Tamarin stands out as a fascinating creature, even among the rest of our Breathtaking Primates of the World. But nevertheless, it remains a physically diminutive primate. Mature adults only reach an average body length of about 8 – 11 in (20 – 28 cm).
Further, the remarkable tail adds another 12 – 17 in (31 – 44 cm) to the overall length of the animal. In addition, it also remains a lightweight species, rarely exceeding a weight of 1.2 lb (0.54 kg).
Its dark face develops hairless, while its large ears protrude from the fur. In addition, the short fur of the mammal displays primarily black or dark brown. The face appears quite dark, and entirely hairless.
However, the feet and hands remain its most memorable and distinctive physical feature. These usually display a reddish-orange to gold color, hence the alternate common name of Midas Tamarin.
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Primates
- Family: Callitrichidae
- Genus: Saguinus
- Species: S. midas
Golden-Handed Tamarin Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology
First of all, the marvelous Golden-Handed Tamarin inhabits highly specific portions of only 5 countries in South America. This limited area includes Guyana, Brazil, Suriname, French Guiana, and Venezuela.
Yet even more specifically, within that range, it only inhabits wooded areas north of the Amazon River. The creature also spends virtually all of its time in the canopy. Therein, it also apparently prefers trees with small crowns.
Most notably, however, it typically lives in small groups. These groups usually consist of no more than 4 to 15 individuals. Rather surprisingly, little competition exist within the group, even among breeding males.
But, its impressiveness does not stop there. This species also displays truly extreme durability. Individuals often leap to the group from heights of as much as 60 ft (18 m), managing to land without suffering injury.
Finally, the remarkable animal remains extremely territorial, males and females alike. It can be quite aggressive, and even dangerous, despite its small size. This holds true due to its sharp claws and canine teeth.
Lion Tailed Macaque
Lion Tailed Macaque Facts
- Next in this compendium of Breathtaking Primates of the World is one that finds itself in extreme peril, the Lion Tailed Macaque.
- Firstly, the distinctive animal ranks as a rather small species of macaque. Quite unfortunately, the remarkable creature also ranks among the rarest and most highly endangered of all primates.
- Secondly, a recent investigation by the IUCN discovered a truly depressing fact. That research placed its estimated population numbers at no more than 3,000 still remaining in the wild.
- In addition, its areas of habitation continue to shrink, endangering the creature even further. This is happening due to the spread of agriculture, and the construction of reservoirs.
- Further, the fascinating primate, regrettably, has a comparatively short average lifespan. That of the Lion Tailed Macaque measures only about 20 years in the wild, much less than many related species.
Lion Tailed Macaque Physical Description
First of all, the fur of the Lion Tailed Macaque primarily shows black in color. The exception, however, is the large, silvery-white mane surrounding the head. This natural feature also extends from the cheeks to the chin.
In fact, along with the tuft on the end of its tail, this forms the characteristic trait from which its name derives. Yet, the face remains completely hairless. The skin of the animal, however, appears dark black.
Both genders reach about the same size, and adults average roughly 24 in (60 cm) in head and body length. Therefore, sexual dimorphism plays no role in this species. However, the over-sized tail averages about 10 in (25 cm) in length. Adults also average around 22 lb (10 kg) in weight.
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Primates
- Family: Cercopithecodae
- Genus: Macaca
- Species: M. silenus
Lion Tailed Macaque Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology
The fascinating Lion Tailed Macaque also lives only within a small mountain range on the coast of southern India. Sadly, its only remaining completely undisturbed habitat exists in the Silent Valley National Park, in Kerala, in Asia.
Within its range, the Lion Tailed Macaque almost exclusively inhabits the upper canopy of tropical evergreen forests. Individuals also spend the majority of their lives in the trees, and rarely descend to the ground.
But, unlike other types of macaque, it avoids contact with humans. In addition, it remains a territorial animal and lives in small groups. These typically average between 10-20 individuals. Most commonly these groups consist of only a few males and numerous females.
Finally, this animal also has an omnivorous diet, much like the majority of similar creatures. Therefore, it primarily consumes a random combination of fruit, buds, leaves, insects, and small vertebrates.
Capuchin
Capuchin Facts
- Listing as the seventh species included in this article about Breathtaking Primates of the World is one of the best known, the Capuchin.
- First of all, this mammal remains a rather small species of New World monkey. Further, there remain only two known groups of Capuchin monkey. However, both live throughout a moderately large area.
- Also, the name of the awesome animal originates with the supposed resemblance to a specific group of humans. This group consists of members of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin.
- But, it also has a singularly outstanding trait. That’s its’ intellectual capacity. That holds true due to the fact that this remarkable creature represents the most intelligent of all known New World simian species.
- Lamentably, this distinctive characteristic has also led to extremely unsettling complications. Because of its intellect, it’s extremely common in laboratory research, a practice we frown upon.
Capuchin Physical Description
Most notably, the rather fascinating Capuchin does not display any marked degree of sexual dimorphism. This physical characteristic the diminutive mammal shares with the vast majority of known simian varieties.
Quite understandably, the coloring of the individual varies slightly by species. Typically, however, the color combinations include various shades of black, brown, and off-white. This makes for a striking appearance.
Additionally, adults average roughly 22 in (56 cm) in body length. Meanwhile, avaerage weights between the different species ranges from 3 – 9 lbs (1.36 – 4.1 kg). Also, the tails usually grow to about the same length as the body.
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Primates
- Family: Cebidae
Capuchin Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology
Firstly, the amazing Capuchin evolved to inhabit a rather wide zone of habitation, compared to many related species. This comparatively extensive range includes much of both Central America and South America.
The remarkable animal has also proven to be quite adaptable, living in several different types of habitats. These habitat types typically include both wet lowland forests and dry deciduous forests.
Several species have also demonstrated an independently learned behavior, to the surprise of researchers. That’s because this ability remains indicative of both observational skills and intelligent reasoning.
For example, during the mosquito season, individuals will crush millipedes and spread the remains on each other’s backs. This acts as a natural insect repellent, as a result. This behavior sets it apart from most related creatures.
As with most similar simians, this mammal evolved as both diurnal and arboreal in nature. Also, it tends to spend the vast majority of the day foraging for its food. The Capuchin feeds omnivorously and principally consumes fruit, nuts, insects, spiders, eggs, and small invertebrates.
Further, this monkey typically lives in large groups which range in size from 10-40 individuals. In the wild, it usually lives 15-25 years. Finally, the primary predators of this animal include cougars, jaguars, and large snakes.
Vervet Monkey
Vervet Monkey Facts
- Our eighth selection of Breathtaking Primates of the World is the awesome species known simply as the Vervet Monkey.
- Firstly, the rather remarkable mammal constitutes a species of simian endemic to a specific portion of the world. However, the actions of mankind also introduced it to numerous other areas.
- Further, many researchers consider it to possess numerous human-like personality characteristics. Unfortunately for it, however, these include anxiety and hypertension. As a result, its behavior has been widely studied.
- The remarkable Vervet Monkey generally lives in groups that number between 10-70 individuals. However, once males reach sexual maturity, most individuals usually migrate to another group.
- Also, unlike many related creatures, this animal appears to be maintaining a stable population. Because of this surprisingly pleasant fact, the IUCN currently lists it as a Species of Least Concern.
Vervet Monkey Physical Description
As with most primates, the Vervet Monkey displays a moderate degree of sexual dimorphism. Though rather small compared to other monkeys, this simian nonetheless remains a fascinating species.
The males average roughly 12 lb (5.5 kg) in weight. Additionally, large males sometimes reach as much as 24 in (61 cm) in length. Meanwhile, the females usually attain a weight of about 9 lb (4.1 kg). Some females grow to as much as 19.5 in (48 cm) long.
Of course, these measurements of length naturally include the tail. Body coloring for both genders primarily stays a light gray. Finally, its black face develops surrounded by a fringe of white hair.
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Primates
- Family: Cercopithecidae
- Genus: Chlorocebus
- Species: C. pygerythrus
Vervet Monkey Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology
Most notably, the remarkable Vervet Monkey evolved as endemic to a specific portion of the Southern Hemisphere. More notably, this zone of habitation consists of a rather large portion of southern Africa.
Also, throughout its endemic range, this primate normally inhabits tropical forest regions. Luckily for it, however, it also appears to be quite adaptable to the different habitats it has been introduced into.
Further, while males depart the group upon maturity, females generally remain for life. Social status also displays a dependency upon a hierarchy system within each gender, much like humans.
The Vervet Monkey also has an omnivorous diet. As a result, it primarily feeds on a variety of flowers, seeds, leaves, and fruit. Individuals will also feed on a variety of insects. In regions where it represents an introduced species, it often feeds on the local agricultural crops.
Finally, the principal natural predators of this simian include eagles, leopards, and pythons. But sadly, humans often pose a serious threat to it. These threats include both intentional hunting and accidental death due to contact with power lines or vehicles.
Roloway Monkey
Roloway Monkey Facts
- Sadly, this entry among our choices of Breathtaking Primates of the World, the Roloway Monkey, now faces extreme threats to its existence.
- The most noteworthy fact about this simian remains its unfortunate status of Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. That fact exists because this animal ranks among the most highly endangered of any primate in its endemic range.
- This ranking occurs because this Old World primate species remain especially vulnerable to the actions of mankind. The species appears to be especially ill-equipped for adapting to changing conditions within its environment.
- Between 1975 and 1990 alone, the known population of this remarkable primate species declined by 80%. Additionally, deforestation of its endemic habitat was the principal reason for such tragic losses in such a short span of time.
- Yet the threats to its continued existence have not ended. While deforestation in the region has slowed, it has not ceased altogether. Indeed, individuals also face the threat of hunters, who seek it as a source of bushmeat.
Roloway Monkey Physical Description
In fact, the distinguished looking Roloway Monkey actually possesses a comparatively small body for a primate. Furthermore, the remarkable species also displays a slight degree of sexual dimorphism.
Both genders attain body lengths of as much as 21.6 in (55 cm), yet females tend to be slimmer. Males attain weights of as much as 15.4 lb (7 kg), while the slimmer females rarely weigh more than 8.8 lb (4 kg). In addition, the extra long tail often reaches lengths of as much as 29.5 in (75 cm).
The majority of the body displays a black color, while the chest and throat possess white fur resembling the beard. A white stripe and a reddish or orange patch are also present on the back. Yet the distinctive and often large white beard remains its best-known feature.
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Primates
- Family: Cercopithecidae
- Genus: Cercopithecus
- Species: C. roloway
Roloway Monkey Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology
Most notably, the Roloway Monkey has an extremely limited endemic habitat. Quite sadly, it continues to grow smaller. It remains native to only limited sections of Ghana and the Ivory Coast.
The species also primarily inhabits regions of undisturbed and mature forests. This primate developed as a primarily arboreal species and spends the majority of its life in the forest canopy.
Being omnivorous, its diet mainly consists of a wide variety of fruits, arthropods, flowers, seeds, and insects. But, some individuals also often favor consuming small twigs, for unknown reasons.
As a typically diurnal monkey, it sleeps the majority of the night and feeds during the day. Like many monkeys, it forms social groups which average between 15 and 30 individuals. These typically consist of 1 male, and roughly 10 females and infants.
Also, in the wild, its lifespan averages roughly 20 years. Sadly, it now ranks as one of The World’s 25 Most Endangered Primates. For the moment, conservation efforts appear to be insufficient.
Barbary Macaque
Barbary Macaque Facts
- The tenth entry into this article about the Breathtaking Primates of the World is the magnificent Barbary Macaque.
- Firstly, the term perfectly serves as one of the common names for one of the best known types of Old World Monkey. Secondly, though, this truly marvelous primate also goes by several other common names. These include the names of the magot and the Barbary ape.
- Yet, this undeniably marvelous small animal also remains known to some individuals by the somewhat unwieldy scientific name of the Macaca sylvanus. However, regardless of which of these different terms one uses to refer to it, the species remains a most remarkable and interesting creature.
- Further, the original recognition of the impressive animal as a separate and distinct species, along with its subsequent naming, occurred in the year 1758. Additionally, this important scientific accomplishment came at the hands of the renowned Swedish botanist and zoologist, Carl Linnaeus.
- Quite unfortunately, though, the overall population of the magnificent Barbary Macaque appears to be diminishing. Although one concentration of its population appears stable, it’s disappearing in most of its range. Therefore, the IUCN presently lists the incredible mammal as Endangered.
- Perhaps most notably, for the moment, this sad situation principally occurs due to devastating habitat loss. Further, this is happening due to human expansion. Nevertheless, like many other species around the world, the fascinating species also remains vulnerable to the ongoing effects of climate change.
Barbary Macaque Physical Description
The amazing Barbary Macaque possesses a truly striking and impressive physical appearance. However, the impressiveness does not come as a result of sheer physical size. That’s because this particular animal ranks as a moderate-size member of its genus. Further, the fascinating creature also displays a moderate degree of the physiological trait of sexual dimorphism, like other macaques.
Furthermore, in this animal, that trait manifests itself in more than one manner. Firstly, the male attains a slightly greater body length than does the female. He typically reaches a length of roughly 25 in (63.4 cm), while his counterpart only averages about 21.9 in (55.7 cm). Meanwhile, the males achieve an average weight of roughly 32 lb (14.5 kg). The females, however, only average 21.8 lb (9.9 kg).
In addition, the Barbary Macaque displays gender-based differences in one other manner, the length of the tail. That’s because that of the male develops as slightly more prominent. But otherwise, the genders appear the same. The fur has an overall color of yellowish-brown to gray, though the underside appears somewhat lighter. The face of the animal, however, appears as very dark pink in color.
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Primates
- Family: Cercopithecidae
- Genus: Macaca
- Species: M. sylvanus
Barbary Macaque Distribution Habitat, and Ecology
Quite lamentably, the gorgeous Barbary Macaque only inhabits a very small portion of the globe. Further, its population also appears disjointed. Both of these hold true due to the fact that this animal only inhabits a small section of the northern part of Africa, and a tiny speck of Europe. To be more precise, the mammal only inhabits parts of the countries of Algeria and Morocco, and the territory of Gibraltar.
In addition, the truly amazing small primate, thankfully, appears to be quite adaptable to differing conditions. This holds true due to the fact that it inhabits multiple types of habitats, throughout its range. In Gibraltar, the species lives in regions consisting of rocky cliffs and gorges, at high altitudes. Meanwhile, in the rest of its limited range, it’s mainly concentrated in the Rif and Atlas Mountains.
Further, in that area, the Barbary Macaque typically appears in regions of grasslands, temperate forests, scrub, and rocky ridges. In both areas, though, it tends to congregate in small groups. These groupings usually number 10 -100 individuals. Also, the animal feeds on a wide variety of plants and insects. In turn, this beautiful species most often falls prey to eagles, leopards, and domestic dogs.
Red-shanked douc
Red-shanked douc Facts
- Next up among these Breathtaking Primates of the World comes the dazzling species known as the Red-shanked douc.
- The descriptive term perfectly serves as the accepted common name for a most remarkable species of primate. In scientific circles, however, this fabulous animal remains better known by the hard to pronounce name of Pygathrix nemaeus.
- But, regardless of which name one uses to refer to it, one fact stands out about the creature. That statement has to do with its unique appearance. In point of fact, many consider this marvel of Nature to be among the most colorful of all known primates.
- Due to the comparative remoteness of its native habitat, it has only been studied in modern times. More precisely, before the year 1967 this magnificent creature remained completely unstudied. As a result, even now some details about it remain unknown.
- The limited information that is available about the beautiful Red-shanked douc, however, is concerning. As a result, the IUCN currently lists it as Endangered. This unfortunate status appears on the organization’s Red List of Threatened Species.
- Firstly, the known population of the species only numbers about 1,300 individuals. Secondly, its native range makes it vulnerable to habitat loss. Finally, both these factors render it especially vulnerable to the threat posed by the effects of climate change.
Red-shanked douc Physical Description
The red-shanked douc shares many attributes with its related species. Among these is the fact that it evolved a relatively long, slender body shape. Plus, like those same relatives, and indeed many species, it also displays a moderate degree of sexual dimorphism.
In its case, this manifests itself in terms of sheer physical size. As a result, the males of the fascinating creature attain a greater body length than their female counterparts. However, the degree of average difference in length actually equates to less than 10%.
Males reach an average head and body length of about 24 in (61 cm). The female averages around 21.5 in (54.5 cm) in length. Among both genders, the tail adds an extra 22 – 30 in (56 – 76 cm). Further, males average 24 lb (11 kg), and females 18.6 lb (8.4 kg).
The coloring remains the most distinctive characteristic of the Red-shanked douc. For starters, the back and stomach present a gray color. Yet the lower legs show a deep red, while the feet and hands appear black. But the upper legs and forearms display a white color.
The face has the most striking appearance. Its skin appears yellowish-orange, along with the ears. But the eyelids show a powder-blue shade. Plus, the eyes have an almond shape, and the nose remains quite small. Finally, long white whiskers grow on the chin and cheeks.
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Primates
- Family: Cercopithecidae
- Genus: Pygathrix
- Species: P. nemaeus
Red-shanked douc Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology
Sadly, the confirmed range of habitation of the Red-shanked douc remains very limited. That’s because it appears to only live in a very small section of Indochina. More precisely, the animal lives in parts of Vietnam and southern areas of Laos.
But, this may not be its only area of habitation in Asia. That’s due to an unresolved situation. To the hopeful surprise of many, sightings of it have been reported in northeastern Cambodia, as well. For the moment, these sightings remain unconfirmed.
Within its given range, it seems to be relatively adaptable to differing habitats. That holds true since individuals appear in areas of both mountain and lowland areas. Further, sightings take place in primary, secondary, and also partially deciduous forests.
But, in all areas it inhabits, certain preferences predominate. The Red-shanked douc appears almost exclusively in the middle and upper regions of the forest canopy. The mammal rarely descends to the ground, since it acquires water through its food.
The remarkable species evolved as a vegetarian, like most related creatures. In its case, that diet mainly consists of various leaves high in fiber. Nonetheless, it does occasionally consume small quantities of seeds, bamboo shoots, buds, flowers, and fruit.
It also evolved a diurnal pattern of behavior. The primate spends the majority of its life in the canopy. There, and also like others of its kind, it lives as a social animal. Groups typically number 4 -15 individuals. Yet, groupings of as many as 50 have been seen.
Breathtaking Primates of the World
We hope that you have enjoyed this article on Breathtaking Primates of the World. Obviously, the species covered herein are only a tiny fraction of the recognized species in the world. Estimates of the total number of separate species varies.
This occurs because debates rage over whether groups that are closely related qualify as varieties or separate species. For the moment, estimates of the number of species ranges between 230-270. It remains up to us to do all that we can to protect and preserve them.
Check out our other articles on Earth’s Many Mesmerizing Cephalopods, Wonderful Wild Cats of the World, Earth’s Many Stunning Waterfalls, Breathtaking Asian Species