Formosan rock macaque facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Formosan rock macaque |
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Macaca
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cyclopis
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| Formosan rock macaque range (blue — native, red — introduced) |
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The Formosan rock macaque (also called the Formosan rock monkey or Taiwanese macaque) is a type of macaque. Its scientific name is Macaca cyclopis. These monkeys live only on the island of Taiwan. Some have also been brought to Japan. Besides humans, Formosan rock macaques are the only native primates (like monkeys and apes) living in Taiwan. A scientist named Robert Swinhoe first described this species in 1862.
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Physical Features of Formosan Rock Macaques
Formosan rock macaques are medium-sized monkeys. They usually measure about 50 to 60 centimeters (about 20 to 24 inches) long. They weigh between 5 and 12 kilograms (about 11 to 26 pounds). Female macaques are generally smaller than males.
Their tails are quite long, measuring from 26 to 45 centimeters (about 10 to 18 inches). These macaques have fur that is brown or gray. Like other macaques, they have special pouches in their cheeks. These pouches let them store food temporarily. They can then eat the food later in a safe place.
Life and Behavior of Formosan Rock Macaques
The Formosan macaque is the only type of macaque that lives only on the island of Taiwan. There are 22 different macaque species found across Asia and Africa.
These monkeys live in forests that have both coniferous (cone-bearing) and hardwood trees. They also live in bamboo forests and grassland areas. They can be found at heights from 100 to 3,600 meters (about 328 to 11,812 feet).
Social Life of Macaques
Formosan rock macaques live in large groups called troops. These troops often have many males and females living together. They are known to be "female-bonded," meaning females tend to stay in the group they were born into. They form strong bonds with other females.
Macaques use different signals and sounds to talk to each other. If monkeys from another group come too close, they might "scream." Their own group members often respond with a "kyaw-kyaw" sound.
Daily Habits and Diet
Rock macaques are diurnal, which means they are active during the day. They spend time both in trees (arboreal) and on the ground (terrestrial). They usually stay in trees more often than on the ground. They rest in the forest and look for food in grassy areas.
Their diet is varied and includes many different things. They eat fruits, soft leaves, buds, and grass stems. They also enjoy insects, snails, and even bird eggs.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Formosan rock macaques usually give birth to one baby at a time. The mating season for these monkeys is from October to January. A female's pregnancy lasts about five and a half months. Babies are typically born between spring and summer.
Female macaques are fully responsible for taking care of their young. They nurse their babies and carry them in their arms for about two to three months. Young macaques stay close to their mothers. They are not fully independent until they are about one year old.
Conservation of Formosan Rock Macaques
Formosan rock macaques sometimes eat crops, which can cause problems for farmers. Because of this, they have been hunted in the past. They were also sometimes caught for medical research.
In Taiwan, some people like to feed macaques in parks or along roads. This can make the monkeys get too used to humans. It can also lead to more interactions and sometimes problems between monkeys and people. The government in Taiwan has been trying to stop people from feeding them. They want to help both the monkeys and the people stay safe.
See also
- List of protected species in Taiwan
- List of endemic species of Taiwan
