What kind of animal is the Barbary macaque? We will explain its characteristics, ecology, and habitat. You may see a very lively group of several dozen males and females living together in groups of almost equal numbers. They are actually an endangered species.
What is a Barbary Macaque? Basic Stats
Barbary macaques are classified as primates in the family Cercopithecidae, order Primates, and genus Macaca. Their English names are Barbary ape and Barbary Macaque. Their scientific name is Macaca sylvanus. They are 50-60cm long and weigh 10-15kg. The list of information is as follows:
| Japanese（和名） | バーバリーマカク |
| English（英名） | Barbary ape Barbary Macaque |
| scientific name(学名) | Macaca sylvanus |
| classification（分類） | Mammalia、Primate、 Cercopithecidae、Macaca 哺乳綱、霊長目、オナガザル科、マカク属 |
| IUCN Status(保全状況) | ENDANGERED |
| Length（体長） | 50-60cm |
| Weight（体重） | 10-15kg |
Taxonomy of Barbary macaques
- 界 (Kingdom)： 動物界 (Animalia)
- 門 (Phylum)： 脊索動物門 (Chordata)
- 綱 (Class)： 哺乳綱 (Mammalia)
- 目 (Order)： 霊長目 (Primates)
- 科 (Family)： オナガザル科 / マカク属に分類されることもある (Cercopithecidae)
- 属 (Genus)： マカク属 (Macaca)
- 種 (Species)： バーバリーマカク (Macaca sylvanus)
Habitat
Barbary macaques are found in northwestern Africa, including Morocco and Algeria.
- Main Distribution Area
Atlas Mountains in North Africa
Mainly mountainous areas in northern Morocco and northern Algeria
Inhabits forests and mountains at altitudes between 500 and 2,500 meters
Small islands
Wild populations exist in Gibraltar
Historically introduced by humans
- Habitat
Strongly forested
Evergreen forests, deciduous broadleaf forests, and mixed forests
Also uses open forests and rocky mountainous areas
Prefers to be near water sources
Hydrates near rivers and streams
Adapts to changing food environments
Gathers fruits, leaves, seeds, insects, etc.
- Habitat
Live in groups, mainly in mountain forests
Active both in trees and on the ground
Forages and rests in trees
Moves and engages in social activities on the ground
- Habitat Status and Issues
Populations are declining
Habitat fragmentation due to deforestation and agricultural development
Stress from tourism and human contact is also a problem
Conservation efforts are underway in protected areas and national parks
What are their characteristics? What kind of creature are they?
Barbary macaques have very short tails, almost none at all. Their hair is rather long and thick, yellowish gray or grayish brown. Their underside is white and their body is sturdy. Barbary macaques have five fingers on their limbs, which allows them to grasp things. They prefer forested areas, such as valleys and cliffs at altitudes of 1500 to 2500 meters. They are mainly active during the day.
- Appearance
Size: Medium-sized monkey, approximately 50-70cm long, with a barely noticeable tail.
Weight: Males weigh 15-20kg, females 10-15kg.
Fur Color: Yellowish-brown to brown on the back, pale gray to white on the belly.
Face: Pink skin with little hair.
Tail: Compared to other macaques, the tail is very short and barely noticeable.
- Personality and Behavior
Social and socially active in groups.
Groups of approximately 10-50 individuals have a male-dominated social structure.
Highly intelligent and curious.
Plays and explores in trees and on the ground.
Cautious, but not overly timid.
Works together as a group to avoid danger.
- Diet
Omnivorous, but primarily plant-based.
Fruit, seeds, leaves, flowers, and bark.
May also eat insects and small animals.
- Ecological Characteristics
Active both in trees and on the ground
Food gathering is often done in trees
Movement and social behavior on the ground
Reproduction
Gestation period: Approximately 5-6 months
Gives birth to one offspring at a time
Baby grows dependent on the mother
- Other Characteristics
The only macaque species found in North Africa
Having almost no tail, they are also known as “tailless macaques”
Although sometimes called Barbary apes in English, they are actually monkeys (macaques)
What is their personality like?
Barbary macaques are highly social animals and live in groups. They have a social hierarchy, and this applies to both males and females. They have very strong bonds with each other, as they take care of the young in the group, especially those related to them, by carrying and grooming them.
- Sociable and Emphasizing Group Behavior
Barbary macaques are highly social monkeys that live in groups.
There is a social hierarchy within the group, with males protecting the center.
They build relationships with each other through grooming and play.
- Highly intelligent and curious
They actively engage in playful and investigative behaviors, such as tree climbing and ground exploration.
They have a high learning ability, such as being creative when searching for food.
They may observe and learn from humans in tourist areas.
- Wary but not overly timid
They are wary of danger and predators.
However, because the group cooperates to stay vigilant, they act appropriately rather than completely hiding.
In groups that are accustomed to humans, they can be relatively bold.
- Playful and active
Young and young individuals are particularly playful.
They are active, climbing trees, chasing each other, and exploring objects.
They engage in many behaviors that foster socialization.
What is their ecology?
Barbary macaques live on fruits, flowers, leaves, seeds, buds, bark, bulbs, and other plants. They are polygamous, breeding from November to March with a 160-day gestation period and can give birth to 1-3 pups at a time. Newborns weigh 400-500g and are weaned after about six months. Their lifespan is about 20 years.
- Habitat
Main habitat: Atlas Mountains in North Africa (northern Morocco and northern Algeria), Gibraltar
Environment: Forests, rocky mountainous areas, open woodlands
Water source: Prefers to be near rivers or streams
Altitude: Approximately 500-2,500m
- Activity Pattern
Diurnal
Active during the day, resting in trees or on rocky areas at night
Active both in trees and on the ground
Foraging and playing in trees
Movement and social interactions on the ground
- Group Structure
Highly social monkeys living in groups
Group size: Approximately 10-50 individuals
Male-dominant social structure (clear hierarchy)
Strengthens bonds through grooming
- Diet
Omnivorous, but primarily plant-based
Fruits, seeds, leaves, bark, flowers
Also eats insects and small animals
Hydration: Swamps and rivers
- Breeding
Gestation Period: Approximately 5-6 months
Birth: One baby per litter
Baby animals are dependent on their mother for sustenance
Sexual Maturity: Females reach maturity at approximately 4 years, males at approximately 5 years
Do they have any natural predators?
Natural predators of Barbary macaques include eagles, jackals, and even foxes.
About Barbary Macaque Baby
Let’s take a closer look at Barbary macaque (Macaca sylvanus) baby animals.
- Appearance
Immediately after birth, they weigh approximately 0.5-1.0 kg and are very small.
Their coat color is yellowish-brown or reddish, and is lighter and softer than that of adults.
Their tails are very short and barely noticeable even as they grow.
Their pink faces and minimal hair give them a cute appearance.
- Behavior
They stay close to their mother.
For the first few months of their lives, they stay close to their mother, ensuring their safety by cuddling and grooming.
They are playful and active.
They play with other young of the same age, chasing each other and climbing trees.
They learn social skills and motor skills through play.
They will quickly hide behind their mother or the herd in the event of danger.
- Diet
They rely on their mother’s milk for the first few months of life.
At 3-6 months of age, they gradually begin to learn to eat fruits, leaves, insects, etc.
Weaning is completed at approximately 6 months to 1 year.
- Socialization
Cubs learn from their mother and other members of the pack.
They learn grooming and social hierarchy.
They learn how to function and cooperate in a pack through play with other young of the same age.
- Growth
By the time they reach one year of age, their physical size has grown to roughly half its original size.
The cub stage (0-3 years old) is focused on learning and acquiring motor skills.
Females reach sexual maturity at approximately four years, and males at approximately five years.
Are Barbary macaques endangered?
Barbary macaques are endangered. They are listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), so international trade is strictly restricted. Their habitats are destroyed by deforestation and development, and they are also eaten, so they are being overhunted. The biggest threat is poaching, with about 300 macaques being sold annually as spectacles or pets. In Japan, they were designated as a specified animal in 2020.
- IUCN Assessment
Barbary macaques are classified as Endangered (EN) on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List.
Wild populations are declining, and the species is considered in need of protection.
- Main Causes of Extinction
Deforestation and Habitat Destruction
Habitat Fragmentation due to Forest Development and Agricultural Expansion in the Atlas Mountains
Human Contact and Hunting
Captivity for Food and Pets
Stress from Human Contact in Tourist Areas
Limited Habitat
Since they are found only in certain areas of North Africa, they are vulnerable to environmental changes.
- Conservation Activities
In Morocco and Algeria, conservation activities are carried out in national parks and protected areas.
Restrictions on Capture and Sale
Management in Tourist Areas and Habitat Conservation
Can Barbary macaques be kept as pets?
As mentioned above, Barbary macaques are designated as endangered species and are listed in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), so international trade is strictly restricted. Therefore, it is extremely difficult to keep them as pets.
- Endangered Species
Barbary macaques are listed as an IUCN Endangered Species (EN)
Capturing and exporting wild individuals is prohibited by law.
Private ownership and captivity are illegal.
- Ecological and Personality Difficult to Keep
Highly social monkeys that live in groups
Keeping them alone can cause significant mental stress
Highly intelligent and curious
A monotonous environment can lead to behavioral problems due to a lack of play and exploration.
Diurnal and active
Lack of exercise and stress can be serious in captivity.
- Environmental Issues
Their diet is diverse, including fruits, seeds, leaves, and insects, making it difficult to replicate a diet similar to that of their natural environment.
They engage in a lot of arboreal and exploratory activity, requiring ample space.
While their lifespan is extended in captivity, managing their health and mental health is extremely difficult.
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