Rhesus macaque

Macaca mulatta

Size: 45–65 cm · 5–12 kg
Diet: Omnivore
Activity: Diurnal
Sociality: Social
Lifespan: —

Rhesus macaque is a highly adaptable Asian monkey often seen near settlements. The Rh blood-group factor takes its name from this macaque, and close contact with people creates management challenges.

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Key facts

Rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) is an omnivore animal classified as Mammal · Primates · Cercopithecidae.
Primary habitats are forest · grassland · urban, with a range across Indomalayan · Palearctic.
Activity is diurnal, sociality is social, and conservation status is LC (Least Concern).
Rhesus macaque is a highly adaptable Asian monkey often seen near settlements.
It uses forests, grasslands, mountains, farmland, and urban edges.

Sources

wikidata.org

Range

Habitat range map

Native rangeOccasional / Transient

Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)

Details

Habitat

It uses forests, grasslands, mountains, farmland, and urban edges. Main habitat types in this guide are forest, grassland, urban.

Appearance

Typical length 45-65 cm, weight 5 kg-12 kg. Pale brown fur, a reddish face, and a moderate tail are typical, with males larger than females.

Behavior

It is diurnal and a social species. Troops have rank relationships maintained through grooming, calls, and facial signals.

Feeding

It is omnivorous. Fruit, leaves, seeds, insects, crops, and human foods may all be eaten.

Reproduction

Females give birth to single infants that cling to the mother and grow within the troop.

Notes

Although still widespread in places, it remains sensitive to habitat change. The Rh blood-group factor takes its name from this macaque, and close contact with people creates management challenges.