Japanese Macaque
(Macaca fuscata)
Range and habitat
Japanese macaques live on the Japanese islands of Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu and some smaller islands. These animals live in forest areas, sometimes at altitudes of over 3000 metres. During winter, they move to the lower regions due to the cold. Another way to keep warm is to bathe in hot springs, which these animals have been spotted doing on the island of Honshu.
Appearance
The Japanese macaque can be recognised by its pinkish-red face and rump, and by its short tail. The colour of the coat varies between brown and grey to yellowish-brown. Their fur is very thick, which enables these animals to survive harsh winters.
- The Japanese macaque is the most northerly living primate (besides humans)
- Length 52 cm (f) - 57 cm (m)
- Weight 8.4 kg (f) - 11.3 kg (m)
- Lifespan Max. 30 years
- Range Japan
- Habitat Forest areas
Reproduction
Female Japanese macaques are sexually mature when they are around 3.5 years old; for males, it is around 4.5 years old. During the mating season, males and females have several partners. A pregnancy lasts almost six months and females usually have one offspring per season. For the first year, adults carry their young on their bellies and backs.
The Japanese macaque’s diet varies seasonally depending on what nature has to offer. In summer, fruit is the main thing on the menu, interspersed with some seeds. In winter, Japanese macaques mainly eat fibrous leaves. They also eat flowers, insects, nuts and mushrooms. A varied diet!
Behaviour and way of life
Japanese macaques live in groups. Females do not leave their natal group; males leave the group when they become adults. The animals live in trees as well as on the ground. Did you know that females spend most of their time in trees and males spend more time on the ground? As with many other primate species, hierarchy is very important for Japanese macaques. For example, the animals with the highest rank are allowed to eat first. Females inherit their mother’s rank at birth.
