The most well known primates found in rainforests are gorillas, chimpanzees, and orangoutans. These primates are very similar to humans in many ways. They have similar interpersonal relationships, movements and diets to humans. For more information on these primates visit one of the web sites listed below.
The balck howler monkey the largest primate native to the Americas. They live in troops of 4 to 8 members and will defend their territory with their loud voices if threatened. Howler monkeys are vegetarians and feed on plants, fruits, and nuts.
The tamarin lives in the tropical rainforest of Central and South America.
One of the species, the lion tamarin is the most endangered of all the primates in the rainforest since much of it's habitat has been destroyed by humans.
The Tamarin lives in the forest canopy and spends most of it's time playing with other tamarins. Tamarins grow up to 12 inches long (30 centimeters) and weight up to 2 pounds. Tamarins are omnivores and will basically eat anything that they can find.
There are a wide variety of nocturnal primates living in the rainforest as well. The loris, the bush baby, and other nocturnal primates generally have large eyes to see at night and are quite shy.
There are a wide variety of primates living in the rainforest. Depending on the location of the rainforest different monkeys will be found.