Rhesus macaque
(Macaca mulatta)
Range and habitat
The rhesus macaque lives in western Afghanistan, India and northern Thailand and can live in many different areas, ranging from low plains to high altitudes, such as up to 3000 metres in the Himalayas. This animal species can handle high and low temperatures, from the highs in the desert to temperatures well below freezing.
Appearance
Rhesus macaques can be recognised by their grey-brown fur. The back of an adult animal has a varied colour; the underside of the back is more yellow than the top. Furthermore, the buttocks are red, and the face is also known to have a pale brown to red colour. The ears are somewhat pointed.
- The rhesus macaque is widely used for research
- Length 45 - 64 mm, tail 19-32 mm
- Weight 4 - 12 kg
- Lifespan Β± 30 years
- Range South and Southeast Asia
- Habitat Afghanistan, India, Thailand
Reproduction
A rhesus macaque mates with several partners. The mating season varies between habitats. The animals that live in areas where it is very cold in winter mate in autumn. As a result, the young are born in spring. However, in areas where the temperature differences between the seasons are less extreme, there is no one clear mating season. Females become fertile when they are 2.5 to 5.5 years old. For males, itβs is a little later, usually around the age of 6.5 years. The gestation period of the rhesus macaque is about 165 days. (Almost always) only one young is born and they are fed by the mother for the first year. Generally, the females take care of the young.
Behaviour and habits
Rhesus macaques are active animals. They are good swimmers and like to be in the water. Vocal communication is important to them, and they regularly make themselves heard. Rhesus macaques live in groups of up to 250 animals. When a group consists of about 80 to 120 animals, a group of female rhesus macaques may split off to form a new group.
