The Barbary macaque (Macaca sylvanus) is a distinctive primate species. Unlike most other macaques, it possesses only a small, vestigial tail, often hidden by its thick fur, leading to the misnomer “Barbary ape.” These ground-dwelling monkeys have yellowish-brown to gray fur, typically lighter on their underside, and a bald, pale pink face. Growing to about 60 cm, Barbary macaques exhibit a robust build, with males generally larger than females.
Habitat and Distribution
The native range of Barbary macaques is primarily within the Atlas Mountains of North Africa, spanning parts of Algeria and Morocco. Here, they inhabit diverse forest environments, including mixed cedar and holm oak, as well as humid Portuguese and cork oak forests. They are found at elevations from 400 to 2,300 meters, preferring higher altitudes. The Moroccan Middle Atlas, especially its high mixed cedar forests, supports the highest densities.
Beyond Africa, a semi-wild population thrives in Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory. This is Europe’s only wild, non-human primate population. Their exact origin in Gibraltar is unknown, but historical records suggest their presence since at least the early 17th century. As of 2020, about 300 individuals in five troops occupy the Upper Rock area of the Gibraltar Nature Reserve.
Social Structure and Behavior
Barbary macaques live in complex multi-male, multi-female groups, with troop sizes sometimes reaching 80 to 100 individuals. Their social organization is matrilineal, meaning social status and bonds pass down through the female line; females typically remain in their birth groups for life. Dominance hierarchies exist within these groups, influencing access to resources and social interactions.
Daily behaviors include extensive foraging, as Barbary macaques are omnivorous. Their diet consists primarily of plants like fruits, seeds, leaves, and tree parts, but they also consume insects and sometimes small birds or reptiles. Grooming is a frequent and important social activity that helps reduce stress and strengthen group bonds. Communication involves various vocalizations and displays, such as teeth chattering, which can signify friendliness.
Unique Alloparental Care
Barbary macaques are known for their alloparental care, where individuals other than biological parents, particularly males, are involved in raising infants. Adult males exhibit nearly all parental behaviors towards young macaques, excluding lactation. This includes prolonged carrying, grooming, and offering protection to infants and juveniles. Males also provide support during aggressive encounters, buffering interactions with other males.
This male involvement with infants is atypical among macaque species and serves a social function. It is often used by males to form and strengthen bonds with other males. Such interactions can help reduce aggression between males and contribute to group cohesion. Males show preferences for certain infants, even if not paternally related, highlighting the social rather than purely reproductive drivers of this behavior.
Conservation Status and Threats
The Barbary macaque is classified as “Endangered” on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Their population has experienced a significant decline, estimated over 50% in recent decades, with some reports suggesting an 80% decrease. Threats to their survival stem from human activities impacting their natural habitats.
Habitat loss and degradation due to logging, firewood collection, and overgrazing by livestock are concerns. Human-wildlife conflict also poses a threat, as macaques sometimes raid crops, leading farmers to view them as pests. The illegal pet trade is another danger, with an estimated 200 infants captured from the wild in Morocco each year for sale, primarily in Europe. This unsustainable removal of young individuals impacts the species’ ability to recover.