The Barbary macaque, Macaca sylvanus, is a unique primate known for its presence outside of Asia. It is the sole macaque species found naturally north of the Sahara Desert in Africa. Its adaptability allows it to thrive in diverse environments.
Distinctive Physical Characteristics
Barbary macaques have thick fur, varying from yellowish-gray to dark grayish-brown, which provides insulation against cold and rain. Their chests and stomachs display a lighter shade. Unlike most monkeys, Barbary macaques have a very short tail, making them appear virtually tailless. Their faces are bald, pale pink or dark pink, contrasting with their fur.
Adult males are larger than females, weighing around 15 kilograms compared to females’ 10 kilograms. Like other macaques, they have callused sitting pads on their rear.
Geographic Range and Natural Environment
Barbary macaques are primarily found in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco and Algeria. They inhabit diverse environments, including cedar forests, mixed cedar and holm-cork oak forests, and pure oak forests. They also occupy shrubby rock outcrops along coasts and grasslands at lower elevations. A non-native population of Barbary macaques thrives in Gibraltar, where they are Europe’s only wild non-human primates. They are found at elevations from sea level up to 2,600 meters (8,530 feet).
Complex Social Behaviors
Barbary macaques are social animals living in mixed-gender groups, known as troops, which can range from 12 to over 60 individuals. Within these troops, both males and females establish separate hierarchies. Communication involves various vocalizations and facial expressions.
A loud, high-pitched “ah-ah” serves as an alarm call, and unique calls help mothers identify offspring. Grooming is a frequent and important behavior, serving to reconcile individuals, maintain social bonds, and remove parasites. Males are significantly involved in caring for infants, playing an integral role in raising all young, not just their own.
Coexistence with Humans
The Barbary macaque population in Gibraltar represents a notable instance of close coexistence with humans. These monkeys are accustomed to human presence, and their behavior has been influenced by interactions with tourists. Human feeding, while seemingly harmless, can alter their natural foraging behaviors and diet. This close contact can also lead to challenges such as over-reliance on human-provided food and aggressive encounters if expectations are not met. The management of this population by organizations like the Gibraltar Ornithological and Natural History Society aims to mitigate these challenges and promote a balanced coexistence.
Protecting the Species
The Barbary macaque is currently classified as an endangered species, facing several threats to its wild populations. Habitat loss, primarily due to extensive logging and habitat destruction, has significantly reduced and fragmented their natural environments in Morocco and Algeria. The illegal pet trade also poses a substantial threat, as young macaques are captured for sale, further depleting wild numbers.
Furthermore, human-wildlife conflict arises from their proximity to human settlements and agricultural areas. Conservation efforts are underway by various organizations and governments to protect this unique primate. These measures include establishing protected areas and implementing regulations to combat illegal trade, all aimed at ensuring the long-term survival of the Barbary macaque.