The Complete List of Primates

From canopy-draped rainforests to riverine woodlands and city-edge green spaces, these animals appear across a wide variety of habitats and play important roles in local ecosystems and cultures. This list collects the species you might encounter or research, from museum records to field guides.

There are 62 Primates, ranging from Aye-aye to White-faced Saki; for each entry you’ll find below Scientific name,Family,Range, and a concise snapshot to help with identification and basic context you’ll find below.

How is the list organized?

Each entry is presented as a simple row with the species common name plus the columns Scientific name,Family,Range so you can scan taxonomic relationships and general distribution quickly; use the list for quick reference, taxonomic checks, or as a starting point for deeper research.

Can I use the “Range” column to plan field trips?

The Range column gives general distribution (regions or countries) rather than precise localities or seasonal presence, so consult regional field guides, protected-area checklists, and local experts before planning an observation trip.

Primates

Images and Descriptions

Human

The most widespread and populous primate, characterized by bipedalism, large complex brains, and advanced tool use. Human activities are the primary driver of habitat loss and endangerment for nearly all other primate species.

Chimpanzee

One of our closest living relatives, known for complex social behaviors, tool use, and communication. They are listed as Endangered due to habitat loss, disease, and the illegal bushmeat trade.

Bonobo

Closely related to chimpanzees, but distinguished by a more peaceful, matriarchal society that uses sexual behavior to resolve conflict. Bonobos are Endangered, threatened by poaching and habitat destruction in their limited range.

Bornean Orangutan

This great ape is known for its long arms and solitary arboreal lifestyle. It is Critically Endangered, primarily due to rapid deforestation from logging and palm oil plantations.

Sumatran Orangutan

Slightly smaller and more social than its Bornean cousin, this species is also Critically Endangered. Its population is severely fragmented and threatened by ongoing habitat destruction for agriculture.

Tapanuli Orangutan

The most recently identified and rarest great ape, with fewer than 800 individuals remaining. This Critically Endangered species is severely threatened by habitat loss from a proposed hydroelectric dam.

Western Gorilla

The most numerous gorilla species, though still Critically Endangered. They live in family groups led by a silverback male and are threatened by poaching, disease, and habitat loss.

Eastern Gorilla

The largest living primate, including the famous mountain gorilla subspecies. It is Critically Endangered due to habitat destruction, civil unrest, and poaching for bushmeat.

Siamang

The largest of the gibbons, known for its loud, booming calls amplified by a throat sac. This acrobatic “lesser ape” is Endangered due to habitat loss for agriculture and the illegal pet trade.

Lar Gibbon

Also known as the white-handed gibbon, this species is famous for its swift, graceful brachiating locomotion. They are Endangered, facing threats from deforestation and capture for the pet trade.

Mandrill

The world’s largest monkey, famous for the adult male’s brilliantly colored face and rump. These highly social primates live in large groups and are classified as Vulnerable due to hunting and habitat loss.

Gelada

The last surviving species of grass-eating primate, known for the bare patch of red skin on its chest. Geladas live in enormous herds and are listed as Least Concern, though their habitat is shrinking.

Hamadryas Baboon

Held sacred in ancient Egypt, this baboon has a complex, multi-level social system. Males have a dramatic silver-white cape. It is a species of Least Concern.

Olive Baboon

A highly adaptable and widespread baboon species, named for its olive-green coat. They are opportunistic omnivores with a complex social structure and are listed as Least Concern.

Proboscis Monkey

Instantly recognizable by the male’s long, fleshy nose, which is used to attract mates. This unique, pot-bellied monkey is Endangered due to extensive habitat destruction in its mangrove forest home.

Rhesus Macaque

One of the best-known primates, widely used in medical and scientific research. They are highly adaptable and thrive in human-dominated landscapes, making them a species of Least Concern.

Japanese Macaque

Also known as the snow monkey, this species is famous for washing its food and bathing in volcanic hot springs to survive cold winters. They are currently listed as Least Concern.

Barbary Macaque

The only macaque found outside of Asia and the only primate native to Europe (in Gibraltar). This species is Endangered due to habitat loss and illegal capture for the pet trade.

Lion-tailed Macaque

A small, shy macaque with a striking silver-white mane surrounding its face. It is an arboreal species, listed as Endangered because its forest habitat is severely fragmented.

Vervet Monkey

A common and adaptable monkey known for having distinct alarm calls for different predators (leopards, eagles, snakes). Their populations are widespread and stable, listed as Least Concern.

Patas Monkey

Known as the fastest primate on land, capable of reaching speeds of 55 km/h (34 mph). This ground-dwelling monkey has a slender build and lives in open savanna. It is Near Threatened.

King Colobus

A striking black-and-white monkey with a long, flowing white tail and mantle. These leaf-eating specialists are Vulnerable due to habitat loss and hunting for their skin and meat.

Gray Langur

Considered sacred in Hinduism, this adaptable langur is often found near temples and urban areas. They are a species of Least Concern, successfully coexisting with humans in many regions.

Golden Snub-nosed Monkey

A cold-adapted monkey with a vibrant golden coat and a short, upturned nose. They live in large social units and are listed as Endangered due to habitat loss.

Douc Langur

Often called the “costumed ape” for its spectacular five-colored coat. This gentle, leaf-eating primate is Critically Endangered due to rampant habitat destruction and hunting.

Black Howler Monkey

Famed for its deafening dawn chorus, one of the loudest sounds in the animal kingdom, used to mark territory. These leaf-eaters are a species of Least Concern.

Mantled Howler Monkey

A highly adaptable howler monkey, named for the long guard hairs on its sides. Their loud calls are an iconic sound of the Central American rainforest. It is currently listed as Vulnerable.

Geoffroy’s Spider Monkey

A large New World monkey with extremely long limbs and a prehensile tail that acts as a fifth limb. They are Endangered due to habitat loss and the illegal pet trade.

Brown Spider Monkey

One of the world’s most threatened primates, this spider monkey is Critically Endangered. Its population has plummeted due to extensive habitat destruction for agriculture and ranching.

Common Woolly Monkey

Named for its thick, woolly fur, this monkey has a powerful prehensile tail. They are highly social and play a key role in seed dispersal but are Vulnerable due to hunting and habitat loss.

Muriqui (Southern)

One of the largest New World primates, known for its peaceful, egalitarian social structure. The southern muriqui is Critically Endangered, with its population severely fragmented by deforestation.

White-faced Capuchin

A highly intelligent and dexterous primate known for its problem-solving abilities and use of tools. Their adaptability makes them a species of Least Concern.

Tufted Capuchin

A robust and highly intelligent monkey, well-documented for its use of stone tools to crack open nuts. They are common throughout their range and are listed as Least Concern.

Common Squirrel Monkey

A small, highly active primate that lives in very large social groups. They are common in the Amazon and are a species of Least Concern, though they are captured for the pet trade.

Pygmy Marmoset

The world’s smallest monkey, weighing just over 100 grams. It feeds on tree gum, which it accesses by gnawing holes in bark with specialized incisors. Listed as Vulnerable.

Common Marmoset

A small monkey known for its distinctive white ear tufts. They have become a successful invasive species in other parts of Brazil. They are listed as a species of Least Concern.

Golden Lion Tamarin

A stunning, small monkey with a brilliant golden-orange coat. A famous conservation success story, it was downlisted from Critically Endangered to Endangered thanks to intensive captive breeding and reintroduction programs.

Emperor Tamarin

Named for its long, elegant white mustache, which was thought to resemble that of German emperor Wilhelm II. They are a species of Least Concern.

Uakari (Bald)

A unique monkey with a bright red, bald face, long shaggy coat, and a very short tail. The red face is a sign of good health. This species is listed as Vulnerable.

White-faced Saki

This monkey exhibits striking sexual dimorphism; males have a black body with a contrasting white face, while females are brownish-gray. They are seed specialists and are listed as Least Concern.

Night Monkey (Gray-bellied)

The only truly nocturnal monkey, equipped with large eyes to see in the dark. They are socially monogamous, with males providing most of the infant care. They are currently listed as Vulnerable.

Titi Monkey (Coppery)

A small, monogamous monkey known for its endearing behavior of sitting with its partner, tails intertwined. They are primarily fruit-eaters and are listed as Least Concern.

Philippine Tarsier

A tiny nocturnal primate with enormous eyes, the largest of any mammal relative to body size. It can rotate its head nearly 360 degrees. It is listed as Near Threatened due to habitat loss.

Horsfield’s Tarsier

A small, nocturnal insectivore with huge eyes and powerful legs for leaping between trees. Like all tarsiers, it is the only entirely carnivorous primate. The species is listed as Vulnerable.

Ring-tailed Lemur

The most recognizable lemur, famous for its long, black-and-white ringed tail. It is unusually social and terrestrial for a lemur but is Endangered due to habitat loss and hunting.

Indri

The largest living lemur, known for its haunting, whale-like calls that echo through the rainforest. It has a short, stumpy tail and is Critically Endangered due to habitat destruction.

Verreaux’s Sifaka

Famous for its unique method of terrestrial locomotion: leaping sideways on its hind legs with arms held out for balance. This “dancing” lemur is Critically Endangered due to habitat loss.

Aye-aye

A unique nocturnal lemur with rodent-like teeth and a long, thin middle finger used for percussive foraging—tapping on wood to find and extract insect larvae. It is Endangered.

Black-and-white Ruffed Lemur

A large, striking lemur that plays a crucial role as a primary pollinator for the traveler’s palm. It is Critically Endangered due to habitat loss and hunting.

Red Ruffed Lemur

Known for its vibrant red coat, this lemur is an important seed disperser. Like its black-and-white cousin, it is Critically Endangered, facing extreme pressure from habitat loss and hunting.

Common Brown Lemur

A highly adaptable lemur that lives in a variety of forest types. Their social structure is flexible, and they are important seed dispersers. Currently listed as Near Threatened.

Blue-eyed Black Lemur

One of the few primates besides humans to have blue eyes. This species is sexually dimorphic—males are black, females are reddish-brown. It is Critically Endangered.

Gray Mouse Lemur

One of the world’s smallest primates, this nocturnal lemur is a common subject in research. It can enter a state of torpor to conserve energy. It is listed as Least Concern.

Pygmy Mouse Lemur

Competing for the title of the world’s smallest primate, this tiny creature weighs around 30 grams. Its small size and nocturnal habits make it difficult to study. It is listed as Vulnerable.

Fat-tailed Dwarf Lemur

The only primate known to hibernate for an extended period. It stores fat in its tail, which provides energy during its up to seven-month hibernation. It is listed as Least Concern.

Greater Bamboo Lemur

A highly specialized lemur that feeds almost exclusively on giant bamboo, including the cyanide-containing shoots. It is Critically Endangered, with only a few hundred individuals left.

Javan Slow Loris

A nocturnal primate with a rare defense: a toxic bite created by mixing saliva with oil from a brachial gland. It is Critically Endangered due to the illegal pet trade and habitat loss.

Bengal Slow Loris

The largest slow loris species, this nocturnal primate is threatened by the illegal pet trade and traditional medicine markets. Its population is declining, and it is listed as Endangered.

Red Slender Loris

A small, nocturnal primate with long, pencil-thin limbs and large, round eyes. It forages for insects in the forest canopy and is Endangered due to habitat fragmentation.

Potto

A nocturnal, slow-moving primate with unique vertebrae in its neck that form a defensive shield. When threatened, it tucks its head and presents these sharp spines. Listed as Near Threatened.

Northern Greater Galago

A large “bushbaby” known for its loud, baby-like cries and incredible leaping ability. It is a nocturnal insectivore and frugivore, listed as Least Concern.

Senegal Bushbaby

A small, agile nocturnal primate with large eyes and ears. It is known for its remarkable leaping ability, capable of jumping up to 2 meters vertically. It is a species of Least Concern.