Primates
Do chimps and gorillas ever fight with each other?
They use tools, fight to the death and live in social groups – and are the closest living relative to humans
Our expert guide to chimpanzees reveals the answers to the most common questions about one of our closest living relatives
"My grandfather became an orangutan”: The people who believe family members turn into great apes
Some among Sarawak's Iban consider their local orangutans to be 'family'. Mark Eveleigh joins these descendents of Bornean headhunters to discover why.
null
undefined
When monkey researchers spent 36 days watching baboons, they discovered something very 'human' about the way they walk
New research uncovers the surprising truth behind the mysterious march of these wild primates – and it’s got nothing to do with predators or food.
You’re eating bananas all wrong – here’s why
If we were to follow the lead of monkeys, we’d realise that what we think of as the top of a banana is actually the bottom…
Is it just humans that blush?
Science writer Stuart Blackman discusses the unique expression of blushing.
Why do howler monkeys scream? The secrets behind the loudest monkey in the world's deafening howl
How and why do howler monkeys scream so loud? Ben Garrod investigates
What are the smallest monkeys and primates in the world? Meet the tiny creatures of the monkey world
Smaller than an average adult human hand, the smallest monkeys and primates are truly tiny. BBC Wildlife’s Megan Shersby finds out more.
What are primates?
Find out all about primates, the extraordinary group of animals to which we belong!
Bonobo guide: where they live, how they’re related to chimps, and why they have such a fascinating society
Closely related to chimpanzees, bonobos were once thought to be a type of chimpanzee. But research revealed they were a different species, with a very different society structure.
Why sifaka lemurs are tree huggers
For Madagascar’s sifaka lemurs, there’s nothing cooler than hugging a tree – literally.
The origin of pieces: 18 amazing ways animals and plants have evolved
Discover the origin and purpose of the structures of living things, from why baboons have swollen bottoms to the comically-large paws of moles.
Wild chimpanzee mother and baby photographed for first time in Cameroon national park
The first-ever photos of chimpanzees have been snapped inside Douala-Edea National Park, Cameroon by wildlife-monitoring camera-traps.
Orangutan guide: species facts, diet and best places to see
Close relatives of humans, orangutans are highly intelligent and generally docile great apes - learn more about the species, including the best places in the world to see them in our expert orangutan guide.
Gorilla guide: where they live, diet, and conservation
Our guide to one of our closest relatives – the gorilla, including the difference between the two species, why they're endangered and conservation work.
Do monkeys get drunk? Scientists find out the truth
It’s well known that certain non-human primates enjoy a drop of the hard stuff. Now a new study explains why we rather enjoy it too.
Is it legal to keep primates as pets in the UK?
It may be surprising to learn that monkeys can still be kept as pets in the UK. But should they be? Leoma Williams reveals the shocking truth about the UK's primate trade.
Analysing the behaviour and venom of slow lorises
It may look impossibly sweet but don’t be fooled – the Javan slow loris packs a venomous punch and is happy to use it on its own species. Andrew Griffiths speaks to Anna Nekaris, a professor in primate conservation at Oxford Brookes University, about her research studying the use of venom by this species.
New langur species in Myanmar described by scientists
A new primate species has been described following extensive genetic and morphological work, including on a 100-year-old museum specimen.
Engaging local communities to boost mountain gorilla populations
In 2019, the global mountain gorilla population grew to 1,063 individuals. Founder of Conservation Through Public Health Dr Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka explains why linking gorilla conservation to public health programmes is paying off.
Retailers respond quickly to monkey labour report
Following an investigation that revealed pig-tailed macaques are being forced to pick coconuts in Thailand, a number of supermarkets have dropped certain brands.
Why do aye-ayes have such long middle fingers?
The aye-aye is nocturnal lemur, known for its long and thin fingers, which it uses for finding food – and for picking its nose!
Pheromone identified in 'stink flirting' lemurs
Lemurs woo mates with the first pheromone to be identified from a primate.
Monkey business: if macaques want your food, they're not going to ask for it!
Barbary macaques are thriving on the Rock of Gibraltar. But is there enough space for both people and monkeys?