Here's a general overview of what monkeys eat:
Fruits: Many monkeys rely heavily on fruits, which are a good source of energy and nutrients. Some common fruits eaten by monkeys include bananas, mangoes, figs, berries, and more.
Leaves: Leaves are another important food source for monkeys, especially during times when fruit is scarce. They may eat leaves, shoots, and flowers.
Seeds: Some monkeys are seed eaters, like the spider monkey. They might eat seeds from fruits they eat, or collect them directly from trees.
Insects: Insects can be a valuable source of protein for monkeys. They may catch and eat ants, termites, grasshoppers, and other insects.
Small animals: Some monkeys, like the capuchin, are known to hunt and eat small animals like birds, rodents, and lizards.
Other food sources: Depending on the species and their habitat, monkeys may also eat roots, tubers, sap, and even clay (for minerals).
Here are some examples of monkey species and their specific diets:
* Howler monkey: Primarily eats leaves, but also consumes fruits, seeds, and flowers.
* Spider monkey: Eats mostly fruits, seeds, and leaves.
* Capuchin monkey: Eats a diverse diet of fruits, seeds, insects, small animals, and even eggs.
* Baboon: Eats a wide range of foods, including fruits, leaves, seeds, insects, and small animals.
It's important to note that the specific diet of a monkey can vary depending on the availability of food in their environment and the time of year.