What kind of animal is a pig-tailed macaque? We will explain its characteristics, ecology, and habitat. It is also called palm monkey or coconut monkey. Pig-tailed macaques are considered to be different species in the north and south, but in fact, this monkey is designated as an endangered species. It is in a very critical situation.
What is Pigtailed Monkey? Basic Stats
The pig-tailed macaque is a monkey classified in the mammalian order Primates, family Cercopithecidae, genus Macaca. Its English name is Pig-tailed Macaque, and its scientific name is Macaca nemestrina. Its body length is 30-60cm, and its weight is 5-15kg. The list of information is as follows.
| Japanese（和名） | ブタオザル |
| English（英名） | Andean bear Spectacled bear |
| scientific name(学名) | Macaca nemestrina |
| classification（分類） | Mammalia、Primates、 Cercopithecidae、Macaca 哺乳綱、霊長目、オナガザル科、マカク属 |
| IUCN Status(保全状況) | VULNERABLE |
| Length（体長） | 30-60cm |
| Weight（体重） | 5-15kg |
Classification
Pig-tailed macaques are classified into southern pig-tailed macaques and northern pig-tailed macaques. Southern pig-tailed macaques are found in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, etc.
Taxonomy of pig-tailed 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 / マカク科 (Cercopithecidae)
- 属 (Genus)： マカク属 (Macaca)
- 種 (Species)： ブタオザル (Macaca nemestrina)
Habitat
Pig-tailed macaques are found in Southeast Asia.
- Natural Distribution
Main Region: Southeast Asia
Sumatra (Indonesia)
Borneo (Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei)
Malay Peninsula (Malaysia, southern Thailand)
Distributed at a wide range of altitudes, from lowlands to mountains
Found in areas ranging from lowland tropical rainforests to montane forests at altitudes of around 1,500 m
- Habitat Characteristics
Prefers tropical rainforests and secondary forests
Mainly arboreal (arboreal)
Mostly foraging and moving around in trees
Although occasionally active on the ground, they primarily use trees for food and safety
- Adaptations
Adapted to the multi-layered forest environment, they can move quickly between tree branches
Tend to choose areas near water or fruit-rich forests
May also be found in agricultural fields and plantations around cities
What are their characteristics? What kind of creature are they?
Pig-tailed macaques are about the same size as Japanese macaques. Their limbs are relatively long, with five fingers and claws on each. They have protruding eyebrows above their eyes, and cheek pouches where they can store food. Their fur is brown or reddish brown, with short, dark hairs that curl up on the top of their head. Pig-tailed macaques prefer to live in tropical rainforests and swamps up to 2000m above sea level.
- Natural Distribution
Main Region: Southeast Asia
Sumatra (Indonesia)
Borneo (Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei)
Malay Peninsula (Malaysia, southern Thailand)
Distributed at a wide range of altitudes, from lowlands to mountains
Found in areas ranging from lowland tropical rainforests to montane forests at altitudes of around 1,500 m
- Habitat Characteristics
Prefers tropical rainforests and secondary forests
Mainly arboreal (arboreal)
Mostly foraging and moving around in trees
Although occasionally active on the ground, they primarily use trees for food and safety
- Adaptations
Adapted to the multi-layered forest environment, they can move quickly between tree branches
Tend to choose areas near water or fruit-rich forests
May also be found in agricultural fields and plantations around cities
What is their personality like?
Pig-tailed macaques are active during the day and usually live in groups of about 10 to 40 individuals, so they are very cooperative animals, and sometimes even larger groups can be seen. They do not claim territory, so they do not fight with other groups.
- Sociality/Pack Personality
Primary group life
Moves in groups of 10-30 individuals
Hereditary and social relationships exist within the pack
Cooperative
Coordinates with others for eating and transportation
Young individuals learn social rules through play
- Vigilance/Curiosity
Highly cautious
Easily flees when they sense humans or predators
Curious
Shows interest in food and new objects
May appear near cities or on farmland
- Individual Differences/Male-Female Differences
Males:
More aggressive and territorial
May compete for rank within the pack
Females:
Highly cooperative and primarily focused on raising their young
Often involved in maintaining order within the pack
- Behavioral Characteristics
Playful and curious
Jumps on branches and plays with others
Highly intelligent and able to learn
Learns tool-use behaviors and how to find food in different environments
What is their ecology?
Pig-tailed macaques are omnivorous, and live on fruit, leaves, buds, mushrooms, and insects. They breed throughout the year, and there is no set breeding season. The gestation period is 150 days, and they can give birth to one baby at a time. Their lifespan is 20 to 25 years.
- Behavior
Diurnal: Active mainly during the day
Mainly arboreal (arboreal)
Moving between branches to search for food
May descend to the ground
Package: Approximately 10-30 individuals
Her groups have a hierarchy and social roles
- Diet
Omnivorous
Main Food:
Fruits, leaves, seeds
Insects, small invertebrates
Occasionally eats bird eggs and small animals
Flexible food selection depending on the environment
- Reproduction
Estrous: Active year-round, but breeding is concentrated during the rainy season
Gestation: Approximately 5-6 months
Litter size: Generally one cub (occasionally twins)
Rearing:
Mothers primarily nurse and protect
Cubs learn social skills and foraging skills while playing in the pack
Age of maturity:
Females: Sexual maturity at 3-4 years
Males: Sexual maturity at 4-5 years
- Social Structure
Intra-group Society:
Males are highly competitive and territorial.
Females are cooperative and important for maintaining group stability.
Communication:
They communicate with their peers through vocalizations, facial expressions, and body posture.
They give warning signals, playful cues, and threat signals.
- Adaptation and Survival Strategies
Athletic abilities and agility adapted to arboreal life.
Omnivorous diet allows them to withstand environmental changes and food shortages.
Living in groups protects them from predators.
Do they have any natural enemies?
The natural enemies of pig-tailed macaques are tigers, leopards, clouded leopards, and pythons.
About Pig-tailed Macaque Pups
This article provides a detailed overview of the development and characteristics of pig-tailed macaque (Macaca nemestrina) pups, from birth to independence.
- Birth, Weight, and Appearance
Birthing Season: Most common during the rainy season in Southeast Asia, but breeding is possible year-round.
Litter Size: Usually one pup (twins are rare).
Weight: Approximately 400-600 g immediately after birth.
Body Length: Approximately 20-25 cm (excluding tail).
Coat Color: Light brown to yellowish-brown, softer and paler than adult coats.
Characteristics: Short tail, cute reddish-brown face.
- Cubs’ Behavior and Development
First few weeks:
Holds and nurses by mother.
Spends time in the safety of the group.
1-2 months:
Plays small around mother and group.
Practices simple branching and jumping.
3-6 months:
Eats small amounts of fruit, leaves, and other foods.
Learns social skills from mother and other members of the group.
- Socialization and Learning
Young animals learn social rules and hierarchy through play.
They learn foraging and branch-hopping skills through observation.
They learn pack communication (vocals, facial expressions, threat and play signals).
- Independence
Age of Independence: Approximately 3-4 years old.
Before independence, young animals thoroughly learn about food, survival skills, and social interactions from their mother and pack.
After independence, young animals establish their own pack and social position.
- Personality of Young Animals
Curious and playful.
They develop strength and agility while playing with their mother and siblings.
They are still not very cautious and are dependent on their mother, but they hone their survival skills through play.
Are pig-tailed macaques an endangered species?
Pig-tailed macaques are an endangered species. Their habitat is being destroyed by deforestation and development. They are legally protected in their habitat, and protected areas have been established and activities are underway.
- Classification as an Endangered Species
Assessment by the IUCN Red List (International Union for Conservation of Nature):
Vulnerable (VU)
Wild populations are declining; the exact number is unknown, but estimated to be in the tens of thousands or less.
- Main Causes of Decline
Habitat Destruction and Fragmentation
Deforestation due to logging and agricultural development
Hunting and Poaching
Some species are captured for meat and pets
Conflict with Humans
Sometimes destroy crops and are exterminated
Climate Change
Changes in forest environments have led to a decrease in food and safe habitats
- Conservation Efforts
International Protection:
Listed on Appendix II of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora)
Commercial trade is restricted
Local Protection:
Designated national parks and protected areas in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, etc.
Captive Breeding:
Populations are maintained through breeding programs in zoos and conservation facilities
Can pig-tailed macaques be kept as pets?
As mentioned above, pig-tailed macaques are designated as an endangered species and are also listed in the Washington Convention, so international trade is strictly restricted. For this reason, it is extremely difficult to keep them as pets.
- Legal Issues
Pig-tailed macaques are listed as an endangered species (IUCN: Vulnerable)
They are listed in Appendix II of the international treaty CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), and international trade is restricted.
Although they may not be designated as “Specified Invasive Alien Species” in Japan, there may be restrictions on their keeping and import under the Wildlife Protection Act and Animal Welfare Act.
Unauthorized keeping and import is likely illegal.
- Difficulties in Keeping
Adult macaques are medium-sized monkeys, weighing approximately 6-13 kg for males and approximately 4-8 kg for females.
Due to their high intelligence and curiosity, small cages or home environments can be extremely stressful.
They are highly arboreal, have high jumping ability, and require a lot of exercise, so they require a large space.
They are highly social and prefer to live in groups, so keeping them alone is unnatural and psychologically stressful.
- Breeding Examples
They are kept and bred in zoos and conservation facilities.
They are rarely kept as pets in homes, and even if they were, safety and ethical concerns are rife.
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