WILD PRIMATES
Primates are classified into two main branches: prosimians and simians. Prosimians are the more primitive primates and include lemurs, lorises, and tarsiers. Simians are the more advanced primates and include monkeys, apes, and humans.
Being our closest relatives, there is always something special and amusing when observing primates. With the right choice of tour, it is possible to admire these animals ethically in their natural habitat with a positive conservation impact.
TOP PRIMATES-SEEING ETHICAL EXPERIENCES
OBSERVE JAPANESE MACAQUES BATHING
Japanese 'snow monkeys' can be seen in the wild in the hot springs of Jigokudani Monkey Park in Nagano Prefecture.
LOOK FOR LEMURS IN MADAGASCAR
Lemurs are primates native to Madagascar and the surrounding islands. They are the most diverse group of primates found there and play an important role in the country's unique biodiversity
SPOT MONKEYS IN COSTA RICA
Monkeys are a common sight in Costa Rica, with four species native to the country: the white-headed capuchin, mantled howler, Geoffroy's spider monkey, and the Central American squirrel monkey.
LEARN MORE ABOUT TARSIERS
The smallest primates in the world are native to the Philippines and are found on the islands of Samar, Leyte, Bohol, and Mindanao.
TREK IN SEARCH OF GORILLAS
With approximately half of the world's mountain gorillas living in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda is the perfect destination for gorilla trekking.
Where to see wild primates?
ALL PRIMATES BLOG ARTICLES & ETHICAL TOURS RECOMMENDATIONS
LEMURS
Lemurs are a unique and fascinating species of primates found only on the island of Madagascar and known for their large, expressive eyes and their playful behaviours. They are one of the most ancient primates in the world, with some species believed to be over 70 million years old. Lemurs come in a variety of sizes, from the smallest mouse lemur to the largest, the Indri lemur.
SCIENTIFIC NAME
Lemuridae
IUCN STATUS
From Vulnerable to Critically Endangered
RANGE
Madagascar
GORILLA
Gorillas are the world‘s largest primates, inhabiting the jungles of Central and West Africa. They are some of the most intelligent and social animals, living in cohesive family groups led by a dominant male. Gorillas display a wide range of emotions, from joy and excitement to sadness and fear. They have been observed making and using tools to acquire food and build nests.
SCIENTIFIC NAME
Gorilla gorilla
IUCN STATUS
Critically Endangered
RANGE
Africa
CHIMPANZEE
With 98-99% of shared genetic makeup, chimpanzees are our closest living relatives to humans, sharing 98–99. They are found in the tropical rainforests of Africa, specifically in the Congo Basin, and are known for their intelligence and social behaviour. Chimpanzees show a range of emotions, use tools, communicate with each other, and live in complex social structures.
SCIENTIFIC NAME
Pan troglodytes
IUCN STATUS
Endangered
RANGE
Africa
ORANGUTAN
Orangutans are native to the tropical rainforests of Sumatra and Borneo in Southeast Asia and are the only great apes found in Asia. They have a unique body structure that allows them to climb and swing from tree to tree with incredible agility and strength.
SCIENTIFIC NAME
Pongo pygmaeus
IUCN STATUS
Critically Endangered
RANGE
Borneo and Sumatra
TARSIERS
Tarsiers are small primates found in the forests of Southeast Asia. They are nocturnal and their big eyes are adapted to the low–light conditions of the night. They are incredibly agile and can jump up to three meters in a single bound!
SCIENTIFIC NAME
Tarsiidae
IUCN STATUS
From Near Threatened to Endangered
RANGE
South-East Asia
