* Difficult to track: Monkeys live in diverse, often remote and dense forests, making it incredibly challenging to count them accurately.
* Constantly changing populations: Monkey populations fluctuate due to factors like habitat loss, hunting, and disease.
* Different definitions of "monkey": The term "monkey" can be broad, and different scientists might classify certain primates differently.
However, we can estimate:
* Roughly 260 species of monkeys: This number is recognized by scientists.
* Millions of individuals: Conservation organizations and researchers estimate there are millions of monkeys across the world.
The important takeaway is that monkey populations are facing significant threats, and it's crucial to protect their habitats and ensure their survival.