Old World Monkeys

Old World Monkeys bear most of the traits of the primitive Monkeys. The monkeys characterized under this group include:

Macaques are seen in the areas ranging from northern Africa to Japan. Till now, 22 species of this group have been identified. They do not possess tails and are used often in animal testing.

Patas Monkey biologically called Erythrocebus patas is found in West Africa, and East Africa. It lives on land and is classified in the genus Erythrocebus. The Patas is broadly categorized under the western Erythrocebus patas patas (Common Patas) and the eastern Erythrocebus patas pyrrhonotus (Nisnas).

Drill and Mandrill are two similar monkeys. The Drill (Mandrillus leucophaeus) does not have a colourful face. One can find it in Nigeria, part of Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon, north of the Sanaga River and on the coastal island of Bioko. The Mandrill (Mandrillus sphinx) is the world's largest species of monkey. The word Mandrill implies man-ape.

Guenons belong to the genus Cercopithecus. They are autochthonic to Africa. Because of habitat loss, this species has become endangered.

Mangabeys include Lophocebus, the crested mangabeys, Rungwecebus, the Highland Mangabey and Cercocebus, the white-eyelid mangabeys.

Baboons belong to genus Papio. A French naturalist gave this species the name Baboon. The word traces its origin in the word babouin. They are thick furred animals with dog like muzzles. They possess powerful jaws and a short tail.

Gelada (Theropithecus gelada) also called the Gelada Baboon is a terrestrial ape. It is found in the Ethiopian Highlands. The Gelada baboon has a bright hourglass-shaped patch of skin on its chest. In males this patch is bright red and surrounded by white hair.

Proboscis Monkey biologically known as Nasalis larvatus is also called the Long-nosed Monkey. Truly, this monkey has a very long nose. This reddish-brown arboreal has a large belly. The males bear a large protruding nose.