Did you know that there are predators that hunt monkeys in the wild? While many people think of monkeys as being cute and harmless, they actually have a lot of monkey predators. In this blog post, we will discuss 13 animals that prey on monkeys. We will also discuss how these predators hunt their prey and what adaptations they have to help them do so. This is an interesting topic that not many people know about, so be sure to read on!
13 Animals That Hunt Monkeys in the Wild
The Pantheras: The Monkey-Hunting Big Cats
Leopard
One of the most common monkey predators is the leopard. These large cats are found in Africa and Asia, and they have no problem preying on small to medium-sized monkeys.
Leopards typically hunt at night, using their excellent night vision to spot their prey. They will stalk their victim until they are close enough to pounce, at which point they will kill the monkey with a quick bite to the neck.
Lion
Larger animals, such as antelope, may be fed by big cats like lions and tigers, but they will also capture monkeys. Monkeys that are old, slow, or weaker than the rest of their troop may be devoured in a hurry by a lion. Furthermore, big cats prefer to prey on foraging monkeys who spend time on the ground level, making them simple targets for lions.
The lion is one of the more common monkey predators. These large cats are found in Africa and Asia and typically hunt in groups. Lions will often chase their prey until it is exhausted, at which point they will kill it with a bite to the neck.
Tiger
The tiger is another big cat that preys on monkeys. These animals are found in Asia, and they typically hunt alone. Tigers will stalk their prey until they are close enough to pounce, at which point they will kill the monkey with one swift bite.
Puma
Monkeys are frequently preyed on by leopards and jaguars. These cats can be found in North and South America, although they usually hunt alone. Pumas will stalk their targets until they are within striking distance, they will attack the monkey swiftly and cleanly through the neck or other vital points.
The Slithery Reptiles
Snake
Several snakes prey on monkeys. The most common of these monkey predators is the boa constrictor, which is found in South and Central America. These large snakes will typically ambush their victim, wrapping their body around it and suffocating it. Other snakes that prey on monkeys include the green mamba and the black mamba.
Vipers and other non-venomous snakes, such as pythons and anacondas, are all potential threats. Snakes can be found in a variety of locations and may take advantage of any situation that provides food. There are no monkey-eating snake species. If they appear to be good meals, snakes like pythons and anacondas will non-hesitantly prey on monkeys.
Crocodile
Another animal that preys on monkeys is the crocodile. These large reptiles are found in Africa and Asia, and they will typically eat any animal that they can catch. Crocodiles will often lie in wait for their prey, ambush it when it comes close, and then kill it with a powerful bite.
Despite their enormous size, crocs are surprisingly quick and can devour a monkey in a matter of moments. Crocodiles drown their victims and store them for later consumption, sometimes leaving them to decay before eating them.
Komodo Dragon
One of the most interesting predators of monkeys is the Komodo dragon. These large lizards are found in Indonesia, and they have been known to kill and eat monkeys. Komodo dragons typically hunt by ambush, hiding in bushes or trees and waiting for their prey to come close. When the monkey is close enough, the Komodo dragon will lunge out and bite it.
The Komodo dragon’s saliva is full of bacteria, which will quickly infect the monkey and kill it. The Komodo dragon will then drag the carcass back to its lair to eat it.
From Up Above: Hawks and Eagles
Birds of prey are named for their sharp beaks and talons. These birds are quick and nimble, so they will quickly spot movement in the trees. Hawks and eagles will consume small monkeys if they live in areas where primates spend most of their time on the ground. If monkeys on the ground aren’t vigilant, they’ll become dinner for these raptors as well.
Philippine Eagle
To start off the list, one of the best examples is the Philippines eagle. The Philippine eagle is a critically endangered species of eagle found in the Philippines’ forests. It is considered to be one of the world’s largest living eagles, with a length and wing surface of approximately 550 cm (227 inches) each. The bird has a dark face and creamy-brown nape and crown. Long, brown feathers sprout from its nape like shaggy mane-like hair.
The Philippine eagle is a meat-eater. Monkeys, birds, flying foxes, giant cloud-rats, Asian palm civets, flying squirrels, tree squirrels, fruit bats, reptiles (large snakes and lizards) and even other birds of prey are among the animals consumed by this raptor. They will also feed on flying lemurs in certain regions and have been recorded as capturing juvenile pigs and small dogs.
Martial Eagles
Martial eagles, which are also called leopards of the air because of their fantastic hunting skills, primarily reside in Africa. These grand brown and white birds mostly eat monkeys but will also feast on other animals such as steenbok and iguanas as well as smaller birds.
It shouldn’t be all that surprising since they’re called leopards of the air since leopards are already a part of the list.
Other Mammals
Chimpanzees
To start the list, surprisingly, chimpanzees are observed to hunt smaller monkeys on occasion. The clever primates will form hunting parties and pursue monkeys through the woods enthusiastically. If they’re in the mood for a nutritional change, primates, including chimps, can be dangerous hunters.
If chimpanzees hunt monkeys too frequently, the monkey population may dwindle to a point of no return. On the other hand, cannibalism among primates means that no animal is killed without being put to use.
Hyena
Another common predator of monkeys is the hyena. These animals are found in Africa and Asia and primarily hunt in packs. Hyenas will typically target young or sick monkeys, as they are easier to take down than healthy adults. The hyenas will chase their prey until it is exhausted, at which point they will kill it with a bite to the neck.
Bear
There are also several species of bears that prey on monkeys. The most common of these is the grizzly bear, which is found in North America. Grizzly bears will typically attack monkeys that are alone or in small groups. They will kill or lethally damage their prey with one swing of the arm or a bite to the head or neck.
Humans
Some people in Africa and Asia consume monkey meat, which is considered a delicacy. People eating monkeys has been practiced since ancient times. This habit is also more prevalent in Asia and Africa than it is in South America. While the idea of people eating monkeys may be disgusting to some, it is a normal occurrence for those who live in forests.
This act of consuming monkey meat is known as bush meat, and it happens when rural dwellers hunt and kill these primates or other animals living in the wild. Although it’s against the law to import bush meat into the United States, it happens fairly often. But consuming bush meat can be dangerous because of zoonotic diseases, which are diseases that animals can pass on to humans. So it’s best to avoid eating bush meat altogether.
Monkeys are smart creatures that are always on the lookout for danger. They will have a sentinel standing guard to warn the rest of the troop of predators, but sometimes this fails and an individual monkey becomes prey. This is just how things work in the jungle—the kill-or-be-killed world.
While there are many animals that hunt monkeys, humans are by far the biggest threat to these creatures. Hunting and habitat loss have led to a decrease in monkey populations all over the world. If we want to see monkeys in the wild, we need to do our part to protect them.
Final Thoughts
It’s a tough life being a monkey and maybe vice-versa for its predators. Not only do they have to worry about other animals hunting them, but humans are also a threat. Hunting and habitat loss have led to a decrease in monkey populations all over the world. If we want to see monkeys in the wild, we need to do our part to protect them.
Monkeys are amazing creatures, and it would be a shame to see them go extinct. We need to do what we can to help them survive in the wild. Let’s all do our part to make sure that these beautiful animals are around for generations to come. Thanks for reading!
