Macaca

Macaca is a genus of Old World monkeys in the family Cercopithecidae that includes numerous species commonly known as macaques. The genus is native to Asia and northern Africa and is among the most widespread and diverse primate groups. Recognized species include the rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta), crab-eating macaque (Macaca fascicularis), bonnet macaque (Macaca radiata), Japanese macaque (Macaca fuscata), pig-tailed macaque (Macaca nemestrina), and Barbary macaque (Macaca sylvanus).

Physically, macaques are medium-sized primates with robust bodies and non-prehensile tails. They are highly adaptable and display complex social behavior, typically living in multi-male, multi-female groups with clear dominance hierarchies and extensive grooming. Their diet is omnivorous, including fruits, seeds, leaves, invertebrates, and sometimes human-provided foods in urban areas. Some populations show marked cultural variation in foraging and social behavior, though not to the extent seen in some other primates.

Distribution and habitat: Macaques occupy a wide range of environments, from tropical forests to temperate mountains and agricultural or urban margins, across southern and eastern Asia and parts of North Africa and the Mediterranean region. They are resilient to human disturbance, but habitat loss, hunting, and the pet trade threaten several species. The IUCN lists statuses that range from Least Concern to Endangered among different species.

In research and culture: Macaques have long been central to primatology and biomedical research, particularly rhesus and cynomolgus macaques, which has influenced ethics and animal welfare debates and policies governing animal experimentation.