Rhesus Macaque
Macaca mulattaAlso known as Rhesus Monkey, Bandar
Rhesus macaques live in complex, matriarchal troops of up to two hundred individuals, where social status is inherited from the mother and maintained through intricate grooming rituals. These highly intelligent primates communicate using a diverse repertoire of facial expressions, vocalizations, and body postures. Their remarkable adaptability allows them to thrive in close proximity to humans, frequently colonizing urban temples and agricultural areas across Asia.
- diet
- Omnivorous (fruits, seeds, roots, insects, and small animals)
- family
- Cercopithecidae
- threats
- Habitat fragmentation, human-wildlife conflict, and capture for biomedical research
- life Span
- 20 to 30 years
LC
Can deliver painful bites and carry Herpes B virus; maintain a safe distance and never feed them.
Wild populations frequently carry Herpes B virus, which is harmless to them but fatal to humans, alongside rabies and other pathogens transmitted via bites or scratches.
Never approach, corner, or attempt to pet them; secure all food and back away slowly if they approach.- Avoid eye contact: Direct staring is interpreted as a threat or challenge in macaque social hierarchy.
- Secure food and belongings: These monkeys are expert thieves and will aggressively snatch loose items or bags.
- Observe from afar: Keep a respectful distance of at least ten meters to prevent defensive aggression.