RHESUS MACAQUE
Macaca mulatta
DESCRIPTION
The Rhesus Macaque is a medium-sized primate known for its adaptability and intelligence. It has a distinctive face with a pinkish hue and a short tail, making it easily recognizable.
FUN FACTS
- Rhesus Macaques are often used in medical research due to their genetic similarity to humans
- | They have been observed using tools, such as stones to crack open nuts
- | Rhesus Macaques can adapt to urban environments and are often seen in cities
QUICK INFO
Lifespan15-20 years in the wild, up to 30 in captivity
Average Weight5-15 kg
Average Length40-70 cm
Diet TypeOmnivore
Social Structuregroup — they live in troops that can consist of up to 100 individuals.
Activity PatternDiurnal
Breeding SeasonYear-round, with peaks in spring and fall
- Habitat
- These macaques inhabit a range of environments, including forests, grasslands, and urban areas. They are highly adaptable and can thrive in diverse habitats.
- Biomes
- Tropical Rainforest, Temperate Forest, Grassland
- Native Range
- Native to South Asia, particularly in countries like India, Nepal, and Bangladesh.
- Continent
- Asia
- Countries
- India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan
- Diet
- Rhesus Macaques are omnivorous and consume a varied diet that includes fruits, seeds, roots, and small animals. They are known to forage for food in both wild and urban environments.
- Diet Type
- Omnivore
- Favorite Food
- fruits, seeds, and roots
- Social Structure
- group — they live in troops that can consist of up to 100 individuals.
- Activity Pattern
- Diurnal
- Group Size
- 20-100
- Territorial
- 0
VU
VU
5-15 kg
Weight
40-70 cm
Length
- Coloration
- brown to gray fur with a lighter underside
- Sexual Dimorphism
- males are generally larger than females
- Lifespan
- 15-20 years in the wild, up to 30 in captivity
- Gestation Period
- 165 days
- Offspring per Birth
- 1
- Sexual Maturity
- 3-4 years
- Breeding Season
- Year-round, with peaks in spring and fall
LC
Least Concern
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The Rhesus Macaque is widespread and has a stable population in many areas.
- Wild Population Estimate
- over 1 million
- Population Trend
- Stable
- Endangered
- 0
- Threats
- Habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict are significant threats to their populations. They are also sometimes captured for research and the pet trade.
- Predators
- large birds of prey, leopards, and humans
- Defense Mechanisms
- They use vocalizations and aggressive displays to deter predators.
- Found in Zoos
- Common