Mammal · GBIF taxon 2436603
Macaca fascicularis
macaca fascicularisAlso known as Long-Tailed Macaque, Cynomolgus Monkey, Kera
Crab-eating macaques are highly social primates distinguished by their exceptionally long tails, which often exceed their body length, and their expressive, whiskered faces. Living in complex, female-dominated troops of up to eighty individuals, they navigate both the forest canopy and the ground with remarkable agility. These adaptable monkeys have learned to exploit human-altered landscapes, frequently foraging along beaches, temple grounds, and urban fringes.
SocialAdaptableDiurnal
1 / 7—observations
—countries
—peak records
EndangeredConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXEndangeredRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Fiddler Crabs
- Insects
- Figs
Predators
- Reticulated Python
- Clouded Leopard
- Saltwater Crocodile
ThreatsHabitat loss, hunting, pet trade, and capture for biomedical research
HabitatsMangroves, coastal forests, riverine forests, and urban areas
Life span20 to 30 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderPrimates
- FamilyCercopithecidae
- GenusMacaca
- Speciesmacaca fascicularis
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskModerate
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is moderate
- Can deliver a painful bite and transmit diseases; maintain a safe distance and do not feed them.
- Why it is dangerous
- Bites or scratches can transmit Herpes B virus, rabies, and other serious pathogens to humans.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for a long tail, grey-brown fur, white eyelids, and prominent cheek whiskers.
- What to do
- Never corner, touch, or feed these monkeys; back away slowly if they show teeth or hiss.
- What to notice
- Recognized by their long tails, expressive faces, and frequent presence in coastal or temple habitats.
- Support conservation
- Observe quietly from a distance without disrupting their natural foraging or social behaviors.
Responsible observation
- Secure belongings: Keep food, plastic bags, and loose items out of sight to prevent snatching.
- Avoid eye contact: Direct staring is perceived as a threat and can trigger defensive aggression.
- Do not feed: Handouts encourage bold behavior and increase the risk of bites or scratches.
Keep collecting in Fauna
Continue in the app Found in Collections
Species set Pro
Emerald Kingdom
Macaca fascicularis is found in this collection. Identify it in Fauna to fill this slot and continue your progress.
Unlock to track progress
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?
Checking your Fauna account…Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.






