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 |
Habitat
Barbary macaques are found in northwestern Africa, including Morocco and Algeria.
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.
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.
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.
Do they have any natural predators?
Natural predators of Barbary macaques include eagles, jackals, and even foxes.
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.
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.
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