Rhesus Macaque

Rhesus Macaque

Distinguishing Characteristics

Rhesus macaques are brown, and adults have a red face and rump. The underparts are lighter brown. The tail is medium length, and the hair on the top of the head is short.

Physical Characteristics

Head and body length
- Male: 470-531mm (18.5-20.9in)
- Female: 483-635mm (19.0-25.0in)
Weight
- Male: 4.4-10.9kg (9.7-24.0lb)
- Female: 5.6-10.9kg (12.3-24.0lb)

Habitat

Afghanistan and India to Thailand and Southern China

Semidesert, dry deciduous, mixed decidous and bamboo, and temperate cedar-oak forest to tropical woodland and swamps, from sea level to 3000m (9843ft).

Diet

Fruit, seeds, leaves, gums, buds, grass, clover, roots, bark, resin, and small invertebrates.

Behavior

Diurnal, partly arboreal, and mostly terrestrtial. Rhesus macaques are well known as a beligerent species. In a captive study, an average of 18 aggressive acts by each monkey during a 10-hour period were recorded. Their most common threat is a wide-open mouth with staring eyes, which is given by a dominant animal. Submission is signaled by screaming and baring of the teeth because of fear.