Rhesus Macaque (Macaca mulatta)
The Rhesus Macaque is a medium-sized species of Old World monkey that is found primarily in South Asia. It is a highly adaptable species and is known for its ability to thrive in a wide range of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and urban areas.
These monkeys have a distinctive appearance, with a brownish-grey fur and a characteristic pink or red face and rump. They have a long tail that is used for balance and communication, and are highly social animals that live in large groups, or troops, of up to several hundred individuals.
Rhesus Macaques are omnivores and feed on a variety of plant and animal foods, including fruits, nuts, insects, and small vertebrates. They are known for their intelligence and ability to use tools, such as using stones to crack open nuts.
During breeding season, female Rhesus Macaques give birth to single infants, which they raise and protect within the social group.
Rhesus Macaques are considered a least concern species by the IUCN Red List, due to their adaptability and wide distribution. However, they are often seen as pests and are subject to human-wildlife conflict, especially in urban areas where they can cause damage to crops and property.
Overall, the Rhesus Macaque is an interesting and important species that plays a significant role in many ecosystems in South Asia, and is also an important model organism for biomedical research.