Genus Macaca

Macaques are highly social and usually live in multi-male, multi-female troops with clear dominance hierarchies and strong grooming networks. Diurnal and omnivorous, they forage for fruit, leaves, seeds, insects and small vertebrates, exploit human food sources where available, use vocal, facial and tactile signals for communication, and display problem-solving and social learning.

Reproductive timing varies by species and latitude (seasonal in temperate species, more opportunistic in the tropics). Females typically produce a single offspring after a gestation of about 5–6 months; young are reared primarily by mothers but receive alloparental care, wean within months, and reach sexual maturity after 2–5 years depending on species.

Macaques show moderate to strong sexual dimorphism (males larger, with bigger canines in many species), cheek pouches for temporary food storage in some taxa, dextrous hands, and variable tails (from long to nearly absent). Cognitively capable, several species use tools, manipulate objects, and transmit regional behavioral traditions across generations.

The genus Macaca diversified widely across Asia and (for M. sylvanus) North Africa; macaques have long interacted with human societies—appearing in folklore, temple contexts, and commensal relationships where they exploit anthropogenic food. Their adaptability facilitated range expansion into disturbed and urban habitats, and colonial/global movements introduced some populations (e.g., Gibraltar, islands) beyond native ranges.

Conservation status varies by species: several macaques (rhesus, long-tailed) are common and listed Least Concern due to adaptability, while others (e.g., lion-tailed macaque, certain island endemics) are Endangered or Critically Endangered from habitat loss, fragmentation, hunting and the pet/trade pressures. Management priorities include habitat protection, mitigating human–macaque conflict, anti-poaching enforcement, and captive-breeding or reintroduction where appropriate.