Bonnet macaque

Description

It is a brown or greyish-brown colour primate. It has tufts of hair on the upper part of the head reminiscent of a toupee or small hat, from which its name is taken. There are two subspecies, one with a darker stomach and the other with a paler stomach.

Ethology

They are diurnal. They have a linear hierarchy in which there are a dominant male and female, followed by the beta male, descending to the last member. The males frequently fight to increase their rank and improve their conditions. Despite their preference for the trees, they swim very well and are often seen walking on the ground. This is especially common when they are in cities, towns or plains, due to the lack of trees.

Interesting Facts

There is a very large global population and the local species is abundant, even in anthropogenic habitats. Despite this, their populations are shrinking. In the last 20 years they have been reduced by 20%. The main causes are hunting for meat consumption, and also use for research or the pet trade. They are hunted in agricultural areas due to the losses the cause to harvests.