Fauna
Mammal

Long-tailed Macaque

Macaca fascicularis

Also known as Crab-eating Macaque, Cynomolgus Monkey

Long-tailed macaques live in tight-knit, matriarchal troops that navigate coastal mangroves, rainforests, and urban fringes with equal agility. Highly intelligent and opportunistic, these primates use rich vocalizations, subtle facial expressions, and body postures to maintain complex social hierarchies. Their long, versatile tails provide balance while leaping through treetops or foraging along riverbanks.

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Long-tailed Macaque reference1 / 7
(c) Subir B. Shakya, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Subir B. Shakya · cc-by
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EndangeredConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXEndangeredRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyCrabs, Insects, Fruits
Predators
  • Pythons
  • Philippine Eagle
  • Leopards
ThreatsHabitat loss, illegal capture for biomedical research, human persecution
HabitatsMangroves, coastal forests, secondary forests, riverbanks, urban fringes
Life span20–30 years
Classification
  1. OrderPrimates
  2. FamilyCercopithecidae
  3. GenusMacaca
  4. SpeciesMacaca fascicularis
Range & activity
Native Introduced

Native range in olive; established introduced range in rust.

Safe observation
Interaction riskModerate
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is moderate
Capable of inflicting severe bites and carrying zoonotic pathogens; maintain distance and never offer food.
Why it is dangerous
Canine bites can cause deep tissue damage and transmit herpes B virus, rabies, or bacterial infections.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Recognized by olive-brown fur, a light grey chest, white eyelid patches, and a tail longer than its head-body length.
What to do
Avoid direct eye contact or showing teeth, backing away slowly if a monkey displays threats or lunges.
What to notice
Medium-sized primates traveling in noisy, active social troops along coastal margins and forest canopy levels.
Support conservation
Report illegal trapping or pet keeping to wildlife authorities, and refrain from paying for photos with captive troops.
Responsible observation
  • Observe from Distance: Maintain at least 10 to 15 meters to prevent aggressive territorial responses.
  • Never Offer Food: Feeding conditions monkeys to associate humans with food, increasing bite risks.
  • Secure Belongings: Keep food, loose items, cameras, and bags zipped shut around habituated troops.
Related species
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Emerald Kingdom

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