How Many Types of Monkeys Are There?

Introduction: How Many Types of Monkeys Are There?

Types of Monkeys are among the most intelligent, social, and diverse animals on Earth. Whether they're swinging in the rainforest or strolling across the savannah, they play vital roles in ecosystems and fascinate humans with their complex behavior.

How many types of monkeys are there? What are all the types?

Answer: Over 330 different species, broadly classified into two main groups - Old World monkeys and New World monkeys.

In this article, we'll give you all the information you need about the types of monkeys, their habitats, behaviors, evolutionary differences and conservation statuses in a clear, beginner-friendly list format.

Quick Breakdown: What You’ll Learn

1. Old World monkey vs New World monkeys. The difference between the Old and New World lies in the fact that there exist only two species of monkey in the New World. as opposed to monkeys in the Old World, which have seven. Monkeys in the New World have been found to have only two species of monkeys as compared with seven species in the Old World.
2. How many monkey species exist today
3. Most popular monkey families and examples
4. Traits, behavior, and habitat differences
5. Rare and endangered monkey species
6. Conservation efforts
7. Fun monkey facts
8. Resources for learning more

 1. Two Main Categories: Old World vs. New World Monkeys

Before diving into species count, it's important to know the two major categories of monkeys:

 Old World Monkeys (Cercopithecoidea)

• Native to Africa and Asia
• Include baboons, macaques, and colobus monkeys
• Tend to have narrow noses, no prehensile tails, and more terrestrial lifestyles

New World Monkeys (Platyrrhines)

• Found in Central and South America
• Include howler monkeys, capuchins, and spider monkeys
• Often prehensile tails, flat noses, and arboreal (tree-dwelling)

Read more: National Geographic – Monkeys Explained

 2. So, How Many Types of Monkeys Are There?

As of 2025, scientists have identified over 330 species of monkeys.

• New World Monkeys: Approx. 150+ species
• Old World Monkeys: Approx. 180+ species

These species span over 15 major families and subfamilies, each with distinct behaviors, diets, and appearances.

 3. Popular Monkey Families & Examples

Here’s a closer look at some of the major monkey families and iconic species within them:

A. Cercopithecidae (Old World Monkeys)

• Baboons – Found in Africa, known for their powerful build and group behavior
• Macaques – Widely distributed; includes snow monkeys of Japan
• Colobus monkeys – Leaf-eating specialists from African forests
• Mandrills – Known for their colorful faces and dominant male hierarchies

Source: Smithsonian's National Zoo – Old World Monkeys

 B. Cebidae (New World Monkeys)

• Capuchins-Very smart, utilized in films and treatment
• Squirrel Monkeys – Small, agile, and social
• Howler Monkeys – Recognized by their loud vocalizations, especially at dawn

Read: Rainforest Alliance – New World Monkey Facts

C. Atelidae (New World Monkeys)

• Spider Monkeys – Long limbs and strong prehensile tails
• Woolly Monkeys – Thick-furred monkeys of the Amazon
• Woolly Spider Monkeys (Muriquis) – Rare and endangered, native to Brazil

 4. Habitats and Behavioral Differences

Monkeys live in a wide range of environments, from high-altitude mountains to tropical jungles.

Feature	Old World Monkeys	New World Monkeys
Location	Africa, Asia	South/Central America
Nose	Narrow, downward-facing	Broad, flat
Tail	Not prehensile	Often prehensile
Lifestyle	Terrestrial & arboreal	Mostly arboreal
Size Range	Medium to large	Small to medium

Fun Fact: Some macaques have adapted to cold climates, like the snow monkeys of Japan.

5. Rare & Endangered Monkeys You Should Know

Many monkey species are under threat due to:

• Deforestation
• Illegal wildlife trade
• Climate change

Examples of endangered monkeys:

• Golden Snub-Nosed Monkey (China)
• Tana River Red Colobus (Kenya)
• Northern Muriqui (Brazil)
• Roloway Monkey (West Africa)

 Learn more: IUCN Red List – Primates

 6. Conservation Efforts to Protect Monkeys

Many organizations around the world are working to protect monkey habitats and ensure the survival of vulnerable species.

• Jane Goodall Institute -primarily oriented on the welfare of primates and forest preservation
• Rainforest Trust – Secures land in monkey habitats
• WWF – Conducts primate research and awareness programs

As a content writer, you can support awareness by creating shareable, accurate, and engaging monkey-related content.

 7. Fascinating Monkey Facts

• Some monkeys use tools like stones to crack nuts.
• Capuchins wash their hands in fruit juice.
• Howler monkeys can be heard from as far as 3 miles using their vocal calls.
• Some female monkeys adopt orphaned babies.

Bonus Reading: BBC Earth – Incredible Monkey Behaviors

 8. Writing Tip for Content Creators in This Niche

If your niche is content writing, covering topics like monkeys and other animals allows you to:

• Educate while entertaining
• Rank on Google through long-tail keywords like “types of monkeys”
• Link to credible sources (e.g., NatGeo, WWF, IUCN)
• Write pillar content that can lead into subtopics like “smartest monkeys” or “monkey vs ape”

 Final Thoughts: The Wonderful Diversity of Monkeys

Monkeys have more than 330 species that are classified into Old World and New World. From the majestic mandrill to the noisy howler, each species has unique traits, behaviors, and ecological roles.

Whether you're a curious reader or a content creator, understanding these primates helps us appreciate biodiversity and inspires responsible storytelling.

Let’s continue to explore, protect, and write about the natural world — one monkey at a time.