The group of mammals known as primates is made up of lower primates (prosimians), such as lemurs and lorises, and higher primates – monkeys, apes and humans. Apart from humans, primates are found in all parts of the world except North America and Australasia.
The lower primates have quite pointed faces, a good sense of smell and smaller brains than the higher primates, who have flat faces, better vision and larger brains.
Most of the lower primates are tree-dwellers that leap or climb from branch to branch feeding on fruit, insects or leaves. Some will also catch small reptiles, birds or bats. They usually have long tails to help them balance on landing.
Bush babies, lorises and tarsiers are nocturnal. Bush babies and tarsiers move quickly through the trees by running or leaping, while lorises move slowly and carefully. They will freeze and not move again for hours on end if they sense danger.
Lemurs are the largest group of lower primates, but they are found only on the island of Madagascar off the African coast. Most lemurs have long, bushy tails and soft coats, often with striking markings. When on the ground most lemurs move on all fours, but indris and sifakas bound along on their hind legs.
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