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Bonnet macaque Facts

Bonnet macaque Facts
Bonnet macaque is a species of monkey that belongs to the group of Old World monkeys. There are two subspecies of bonnet macaque that can be found in the southern parts of India. Bonnet macaque inhabits wet and dry deciduous and evergreen forests (in the lowlands and mountains) and urban areas. Car accidents and organized killing are the greatest threats for the survival of bonnet macaques in the wild. Despite these factors, bonnet macaques are numerous and widespread in their native habitats (they are not on the list of endangered species).
Interesting Bonnet macaque Facts:
Bonnet macaque can reach 14 to 24 inches in length (plus tail of same length) and 8 to 20 pounds of weight. Males are two times larger than females.
Bonnet macaque has grayish brown fur on the back and dark or pale fur (depending on the subspecies) on the belly. Bonnet macaque has black ears and lips. Females can be recognized by pinkish red face.
Spirally arranged hairs on top of the head create impression of a hat, hence the name "bonnet macaque".
Bonnet macaque is equally well adapted to the life on the solid ground and in the trees. It is also excellent swimmer.
Bonnet macaque is diurnal animal (active during the day).
Bonnet macaque eats nuts, seed, flowers, leaves, fruit, bugs, lizards and frogs.
Bonnet macaque steals food from the houses and temples when it cannot find food in the wild.
Bonnet macaque sleeps in the trees (usually fig trees near the human settlements) during the night.
Bonnet macaque lives in large groups (troops) composed of around 12 males and 15 females. Males fight to establish dominance and leading position in the group, while females inherit position of alpha leaders from their mothers. Each group occupies territory of 50 hectares.
Bonnet macaque produces lip smacking when it wants to create social and emotional bonds with other members of the group. Erect upper lip and exposed teeth are sign of submission. Grinning and clicking sounds are used to relieve tension, while loud alarm calls inform other members of the group about upcoming danger.
Natural enemies of bonnet macaques are leopards, tigers, crocodiles, pythons and eagles.
Bonnet macaques mate from September to October and from February to April.
Females produce offspring once per year or once every two years. Pregnancy lasts 24 weeks and ends with one baby (infant). Young bonnet macaque rides on the mother's back during the first 6 to 7 months of its life.
One year old bonnet macaques are able to fend for themselves. Females reach sexual maturity at the age of 3 years, males at the age of 4 to 5 years. Young males leave their native groups and join some other troop.
Bonnet macaque can survive 20 to 25 years in the wild and 30 to 35 years in the captivity.


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