Monkeys inhabit the Philippines, with the Philippine long-tailed macaque being the most common and widely distributed species. This primate, a subspecies of the broader long-tailed macaque, is found across various islands, highlighting the country’s rich biodiversity.
The Primary Monkey Species
The Philippine long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis philippensis) is a medium-sized primate belonging to the Old World monkey family. Males are typically larger, weighing between 4 to 8 kilograms and measuring 41 to 64 centimeters in body length. Females are smaller, generally weighing 2 to 5 kilograms with a body length of 38 to 50 centimeters. Their fur color ranges from grayish-brown to reddish-brown, often paler on their undersides.
A distinguishing feature of these macaques is their notably long tail, which can be longer than their head and body combined, aiding in balance as they navigate arboreal environments. Their faces have brownish-grey skin; males often develop a mustache and cheek whiskers, while females possess only cheek whiskers. They have forward-directed eyes, providing binocular vision.
Habitats and Daily Life
Philippine long-tailed macaques thrive in diverse environments across the islands. They inhabit rainforests, riverine forests, woodlands, and are particularly prevalent in mangrove forests, especially in western central Philippines. They are also found in agricultural areas and coastal regions, utilizing human-modified landscapes. They have been observed at elevations up to 1,800 meters above sea level.
As omnivores, their diet is highly flexible, consisting of both plant and animal matter. They primarily consume fruits, flowers, young leaves, and seeds, but also forage for insects, fungi, and grasses. Coastal populations frequently supplement their diet with crustaceans like crabs, as well as shrimps, fish, and bivalve mollusks, earning them the nickname “crab-eating macaque.” They are known to raid crops such as coconuts, bananas, papayas, mangoes, rice, corn, and root crops, particularly when natural food sources are scarce.
These macaques are social animals, living in multi-male/multi-female groups ranging from 6 to over 100 individuals. They are diurnal, often foraging before sunrise. Social interactions like grooming, vocalizations, and facial expressions maintain group cohesion.
Conservation and Coexistence
The long-tailed macaque species, which includes the Philippine long-tailed macaque subspecies, is currently classified as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, a change from its previous Near Threatened status. This updated assessment reflects a suspected population decline of at least 40% over approximately 40 years, with projections of further decline. The primary threats to their populations stem largely from human activities.
Habitat loss due to deforestation and urbanization significantly impacts these primates by reducing available food and shelter. Human-wildlife conflict is another substantial issue, as macaques are often perceived as agricultural pests due to crop raiding, leading to negative interactions and sometimes culling. They also face threats from hunting for food and sport, as well as illegal trade for pets and biomedical research. The species is listed under Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), which monitors international trade. Conservation efforts are focused on improved monitoring, management programs, and fostering coexistence between human communities and macaque populations.