BARBARY MACAQUE
Macaca sylvanus
DESCRIPTION
The Barbary Macaque is a tailless primate with a robust body and a thick coat of fur that varies in color from light brown to gray. They are known for their expressive faces and social behavior, often seen grooming each other and forming strong bonds within their groups. These macaques are primarily found in the mountainous regions of North Africa, where they adapt to a variety of ecological conditions.
FUN FACTS
- Barbary Macaques are the only species of macaque that is found north of the Sahara Desert, making them unique among their relatives
- They are also known for their ability to adapt to various environments, including urban areas, where they can often be seen scavenging for food
- | These macaques have a fascinating social structure, with a matriarchal system where females often remain in their natal groups while males leave to join other groups
- This leads to strong female bonds and complex social interactions that are crucial for their survival
QUICK INFO
Lifespan15-20 years in the wild, up to 30 in captivity
Average Weight15-25 kg
Average Length50-75 cm
Diet TypeOmnivore
Social StructureGroup — they live in large social groups with a hierarchical structure.
Activity PatternDiurnal
Breeding SeasonYear-round, with peaks in spring
- Habitat
- Barbary Macaques inhabit a range of environments, including forests, woodlands, and mountainous areas. They prefer regions with abundant vegetation that provides both food and shelter.
- Biomes
- Mediterranean Forest, Temperate Forest
- Native Range
- The native range of the Barbary Macaque is limited to the Atlas Mountains in Morocco and Algeria, with a small population in Gibraltar.
- Continent
- Africa
- Countries
- Morocco, Algeria, Gibraltar
- Diet
- Barbary Macaques are omnivorous, feeding on a diverse diet that includes fruits, seeds, leaves, and occasionally small invertebrates. They are known to forage in groups, using their intelligence to locate food sources.
- Diet Type
- Omnivore
- Favorite Food
- Fruits, seeds, leaves
- Social Structure
- Group — they live in large social groups with a hierarchical structure.
- Activity Pattern
- Diurnal
- Group Size
- 20-100
- Territorial
- 0
LC
LC
15-25 kg
Weight
50-75 cm
Length
- Coloration
- Light brown to gray fur with a paler face and underbelly.
- Sexual Dimorphism
- Males are generally larger than females.
- Lifespan
- 15-20 years in the wild, up to 30 in captivity
- Gestation Period
- 150 days
- Offspring per Birth
- 1
- Sexual Maturity
- 3-4 years
- Breeding Season
- Year-round, with peaks in spring
EN
Endangered
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The population of Barbary Macaques is declining due to habitat loss and hunting.
- Wild Population Estimate
- 10,000-20,000
- Population Trend
- Decreasing
- Endangered
- 1
- Threats
- Main threats include habitat destruction due to deforestation and urbanization, as well as illegal hunting and capture for the pet trade.
- Predators
- Eagles, wolves, and humans are known predators of Barbary Macaques.
- Defense Mechanisms
- They use vocalizations and social behaviors to warn each other of danger, and can also display aggressive behaviors when threatened.
- Found in Zoos
- Common