Long-tailed Macaque (Macaca fascicularis)

Mammal · GBIF taxon 2436603

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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Licensed reference(c) Subir B. Shakya, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Subir B. Shakya · cc-by

—observations

—countries

—peak records

EndangeredConservation status

Key facts

Diet & prey

Crabs
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

Size / weightNot available

Classification

OrderPrimates
FamilyCercopithecidae
GenusMacaca
SpeciesMacaca fascicularis

Range & activity

Native Introduced

Native range in olive; established introduced range in rust.

Safe observation

Interaction riskModerate

Low
Moderate
High
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.