Monkeys have long fascinated us with their intelligence, social structures, and similarities to humans. While many people think of monkeys as small, tree-dwelling creatures, some species grow surprisingly large, matching the size of mid-sized dogs.
Take a look at 10 of the largest monkeys globally, offering a peek into the lives of these majestic primates.
1. Mandrill: The World’s Largest Monkey
Stats & Size:
Mandrills are the largest monkeys in the world. Adult males average 77 cm (30 in) in length and weigh up to 54 kg (119 lb). Females are significantly smaller, weighing around 13 kg (29 lb).
About the Mandrill:
Known for their striking facial colors and bright blue and red rumps, mandrills stand out visually in their dense rainforests of Central Africa. Their vibrant hues signal dominance and attract mates.
Mandrills live in large groups, sometimes called “hordes,” which can consist of over 1,000 individuals. Despite their striking appearance, their primary threats are habitat destruction and hunting. (ref)
2. Olive Baboon: The Savanna Specialist
Stats & Size:
The olive baboon stands up to 76 cm (30 in) tall and weighs up to 50 kg (110 lb) for males, while females are smaller, averaging 15-30 kg (33-66 lb).
About the Olive Baboon:
Widespread across 25 countries in Africa, the olive baboon is one of the most adaptable monkey species, thriving in savannas, forests, and even semi-deserts. Their olive-green coats give them a distinct look, but their most notable feature is their powerful social structure, where males fiercely guard their group while forming complex hierarchies. They are omnivorous, with a diet ranging from fruits to small mammals.
3. Yellow Baboon: Africa’s Graceful Monkey
Stats & Size:
Yellow baboons are about 84 cm (33 in) tall, and males can weigh up to 40 kg (88 lb), while females are usually much smaller.
About the Yellow Baboon:
Yellow baboons, recognized by their slender build and yellowish-brown coat, inhabit savannas and woodlands across East Africa. These primates exhibit complex social behavior, living in troops of up to 200 members.
They are highly opportunistic feeders, consuming fruits, seeds, and even invertebrates. Despite their size and strength, they face threats from habitat encroachment and agricultural conflicts.
4. Chacma Baboon: The Resilient Survivor
Stats & Size:
Male chacma baboons can reach up to 120 cm (47 in) in length and weigh as much as 45 kg (99 lb). Females are smaller, typically weighing around 20 kg (44 lb).
About the Chacma Baboon:
The chacma baboon, native to southern Africa, is known for its rugged appearance and impressive size. They live in large troops led by dominant males and are incredibly adaptable, ranging from coastal forests to mountainous regions.
Their diet consists of almost everything, from fruits and grasses to small vertebrates. They often interact with humans, leading to both curiosity and conflict.
5. Guinea Baboon: The Vocal Team Player
Stats & Size:
Guinea baboons are around 85 cm (33 in) tall. Males can weigh up to 26 kg (57 lb), and females are smaller at 13 kg (29 lb).
About the Guinea Baboon:
This species is the smallest of the baboon family and is native to West Africa, particularly Senegal and Guinea. With reddish-brown coats, Guinea baboons form social groups that can number up to 200 individuals. (ref)
They are known for their distinct vocalizations and strong social bonds. Although generally less aggressive than their cousins, habitat destruction remains a significant threat.
6. Japanese Macaque: Japan’s Iconic Monkey
Stats & Size:
Male Japanese macaques weigh around 11-14 kg (24-31 lb) and stand up to 60 cm (24 in) tall, while females are smaller, averaging 8-11 kg (18-24 lb).
About the Japanese Macaque:
Often called “snow monkeys,” these primates are famous for their hot spring baths during Japan’s frigid winters. They live in large troops with highly structured hierarchies. (ref)
Their adaptability allows them to thrive in various environments, from subtropical forests to snow-covered mountains. Though not as large as some others on this list, their intelligence and unique behaviors make them one of the world’s most fascinating primates.
7. Celebes Crested Macaque: Indonesia’s Black Beauty
Stats & Size:
Males can weigh up to 10.4 kg (23 lb) and females up to 6.6 kg (15 lb), with a body length ranging from 45 to 60 cm (18 to 24 in).
About the Celebes Crested Macaque:
With distinctive black fur and a prominent crest on their heads, Celebes crested macaques are native to Sulawesi, Indonesia. These social monkeys live in groups of up to 100 individuals.
Their omnivorous diet includes fruits, leaves, and small insects. Their striking appearance makes them popular among photographers, but sadly, they are critically endangered due to habitat loss and hunting.
8. Rhesus Macaque: Research Powerhouse
Stats & Size:
Rhesus macaques measure 47-64 cm (19-25 in) in length and weigh up to 14.5 kg (32 lb) for males, with females weighing about 7.7 kg (17 lb).
About the Rhesus Macaque:
Rhesus macaques are among the most widespread primates, native to South and Southeast Asia. Known for their adaptability, these monkeys live comfortably in both rural and urban areas.
They have been instrumental in scientific research, including vaccine development and behavioral studies. Their intelligence and social complexity make them intriguing, but their affinity for human settlements often leads to conflicts.
9. Tibetan Macaque: Mountain Wanderer
Stats & Size:
Male Tibetan macaques weigh between 16 and 25 kg (35 and 55 lb), while females weigh 9 to 13 kg (20 to 29 lb). They can grow up to 70 cm (28 in) in length.
About the Tibetan Macaque:
Inhabiting the mountainous regions of China and Vietnam, Tibetan macaques are the largest macaque species. They have thick fur that protects them from cold temperatures.
Their social structures are matriarchal, with females leading troops of up to 80 individuals. Despite their impressive size, they are primarily frugivores but also consume leaves and insects.
10. Hamadryas Baboon: Desert Monarch
Stats & Size:
Males can weigh up to 40 kg (88 lb) and measure 80 cm (31 in) in body length, while females are much smaller, weighing around 15 kg (33 lb).
About the Hamadryas Baboon:
Distinguished by their striking silver-grey fur and bright pink faces, hamadryas baboons were revered in ancient Egyptian culture as sacred animals. They live in the arid regions of the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.
Their social structure is unique, featuring one-male units within a larger troop. Though primarily herbivorous, they will also hunt small animals and raid crops when given the chance.
These primates showcase the diversity of the monkey kingdom. Their size, social behaviors, and adaptability highlight their unique roles in their ecosystems. However, many of these giants face significant threats, underscoring the importance of conservation efforts to protect their populations.
Davin Eberhardt
Website | + posts
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.
