13 Strangest-Looking Primates

These endangered primatesare named for their pronounced noses. These are one of the most distinctive features in the animal kingdom. These primates also show impressive swimming skills, a rare trait for primates. Proboscis monkeys live only in the jungles of Borneo. They stay near water, like rivers, swamps, or mangrove forests. They spend most of their time in trees, avoiding the ground due to fear of jaguars and other predators. Human activity destroyed their natural habitat, nearly wiping out the rainforests they call home. Consequently, proboscis monkeys face extinction.These are named for their pronounced noses. These are one of the most distinctive features in the animal kingdom. These primates also show impressive swimming skills, a rare trait for primates. Proboscis monkeys live only in the jungles of Borneo. They stay near water, like rivers, swamps, or mangrove forests. They spend most of their time in trees, avoiding the ground due to fear of jaguars and other predators. Human activity destroyed their natural habitat, nearly wiping out the rainforests they call home. Consequently, proboscis monkeys face extinction.

Tarsiers are small primates. They used to live globally. Now, they only exist in Southeast Asian rainforests. These animals possess huge eyes. Each eye matches the size of their entire brain. They live in trees. They jump between trunks using long, strong legs. These legs are the longest back legs for any mammal of their size. Fewer than ten tarsier species survive in the wild. Many face extinction risk.domestic catsDomestic cats drive much of the tarsier population loss. Their resemblance to mice makes them perfect targets for felines.

The bright red faces of thebald uakarisThese faces are odd, but they might serve an important purpose for these monkeys. Uakaris live deep in the Amazon rainforest, an area known for a harsh climate and many deadly diseases. The rich color of their faces signals health to other uakaris; malaria symptoms usually cause pale skin.

Uakaris live in troops of up to one hundred individuals. They spend most time searching for food. Human activity and slow reproduction rates threaten their numbers. If their numbers keep dropping, uakaris could move from vulnerable to endangered status.

Aye-ayesAye-ayes are nocturnal species found only on Madagascar. These bizarre animals look more like rats than monkeys. They are primates that evolved unique features. Their huge eyes adapt well to the dark; they can actuallysee colorin the dead of night.

Aye-aye's thin fingers function as tools. They pull insects from inside trees. Locals in Madagascar fear the aye-aye, seeing it as bad luck. These killings and habitat loss put aye-ayes on the endangered list.

New hope for critically#endangered #Myanmarsnub-nosed monkey - eight years after the discovery of a new#primateScientists released a new report detailing the status of the snub-nosed monkey in Myanmar.See the post at https://t.co/LeuUHccduy about Myanmar snub-nosed monkeys. #conservation @FaunaFloraInt pic.twitter.com/2bn5QsiE0O

Myanmar snub-nosed monkey was discovered in2010scientists immediately put it on theendangered speciesLocal villagers killed and ate the only known specimen, putting the monkey on the list. Now, we know much about this monkey. It reacts badly to rain. Rainwater slides down its nose, causing violent sneezes because it lacks a nose. Hunters and deforestation now threaten these new monkeys. Only about 300 may remain in the wild—a grim number for this new species.

GeladasGeladas have been referenced as havingbleeding heartsThe unique, hairless red skin patch on their chests causes this. Toughest males show the brightest chests, making the marking a status symbol.Geladas live high in the mountains of Ethiopia.They live in hilly grasslands. Geladas graze on grass and roots all day. They are the only primate species that gets most of its food from grass; this trait is common in ungulates more than monkeys. Geladas travel in huge primate groups, sometimes up to 1,200 individuals graze and socialize.

MandrillsMandrills are the biggest monkeys globally and one of the most colorful. Their faces show excitement, and their hindquarters show distinct colors. Mandrills flush these colors when excited. They live deep in African rainforests, mostly on the ground, only climbing trees at night to sleep. These omnivores eat fruits, small amphibians, and reptiles. An alpha male usually leads their troops, which can include over a dozen females and young. Sometimes, groups form large gatherings of over 200 individuals.

Red-shanked douc langurs have deep black eyes, white mouths, and orange faces, making them look like science fiction. These langurs are one of three douc langur species and show unique coloring.They are social animals.These langurs live across Southeast Asia in groups up to fifty. Douc langurs spend most time foraging high in trees. Human deforestation destroys much of their home. Sadly, all three douc langur species are endangered.

Flanged orangutansAdult male orangutans develop bulbous skin sacs, called flanges, around their faces. These puffy cheeks signal they are the top males locally. Younger males do not develop them. Living near a flanged male may suppress flange development in others.This suppresses flange development in other males.This makes a flanged orangutan an alpha male. Females choose mates with flanges over those without them almost always. Scientists study how and why males grow flanges.Studies have shown huge testosterone bursts coincide with flange appearance.Huge testosterone bursts coincide with their appearance.

These mustachioed weirdos have ridiculous handlebars and an adorable look. They live in South America, specifically the Amazon rainforest. They are very small, smaller than a squirrel, and have silver fur. Mature females lead emperor tamarin groups. Females see more colors than males and often give birth to twins that live up to 15 years.These mustachioed weirdos are known for their ridiculous handlebars and adorable appearance.They live in South America, only in the Amazon rainforest. They are small, smaller than a squirrel, and covered in silver fur. Women lead emperor tamarin society, with mature females leading groups. Females see more colors than males and give birth to twins up to 15 years old.

This species of snub-nosed monkey lives inChina.This monkey has rarely been seen outside its home country. The Chinese government forbids permanent displays in foreign zoos, though temporary loans happen. Blue faces and no nose make them one of the world's most exotic monkeys. They lost noses to adapt to cold, living in colder areas. New laws now make killing them a crime, even though they were once used in Chinese medicine.

Humans are not the only ones.Japanese macaquesThese macaques are the northernmost primates. Snow monkeys survive cold winters by bathing in hot springs. They swim during the summer heat to stay cool. These intelligent creatures wash their food in salt water, cleaning it and adding a salty taste. Macaques also like playing with rocks and cuddling with favorites. They are common in Japan and are not endangered.

These baboons build homes in the dry climates of Arabia and the horn of Africa. They gather at water sources and cliff ledges for night sleep. Ancient Egyptians once revered these animals, but they are now gone from Egypt.The hamadryas baboonThe Hamadryas Baboon remains a “sacred” baboon. Males show their silver manes like a mythic god. They gather in groups of several hundred monkeys. These baboons are highly social. They are not at risk of extinction.