Pig-tailed macacue

Pig-tailed macacue ( Macaca namestrina)

 Appearance : The pig-tailed macaque is less common primate of southeast asia. It is characterized  by its short tail that is carried half –erect and somewhat resembles a pig’s, hence its common name . Macaques are medium to large size monkey with stout bodies. This species has a brown coat with a lighter underside and its leg are long and strong. The muzzle is long and lacks hair though males have mane-like hairs surrounding the face,giving them a majestic  appearance .When female are receptive to mating they develop large swelling on the rump. Adult females are around half the size of males.

Size : Male 6,2 to 14,5 kg and female 4,7 to 10,9 kg.img_0292

Life Span : 26 years.

Diet : Predominantly fruits and seeds,but also includes insect, birds,termite egg and larvae,river crabs,leaves,buds and flowers. They may also raid ripe corn crops and oil palm.

Home Range : 62 to 800 ha.

Habitat : Lowland primary and secondary forest,as well as coastal,swamp and montane forest. They prefer dense rainforest but are very adaptable to agricultural land.

Behaviour and Ecology : Diurnal and predominantly terrestrial though they spend some time in the tress. The pig-tailed macaque spends more time on the forest floor and in the open then other macaque. Its has cheek pouches to carry food while it forages, and often returns to the safety af the tresss to feed. They are social primate and live in he group size of 5-40 (average 15-22) individuals, though the group splits into smaller units to forage .Females remain in their natal group, and males will disperse shortly before their reach sexual maturity.