Long-Tailed Macaques

Abstract

Long-tailed macaques, Macaca fascicularis [RAFFLES, 1821], are small brown monkeys, with paler underparts and often prominent whitish hairs on the face. These ‘whiskers’ vary greatly in their development between individuals, and are a valuable aid to their recognition. They are often particularly pronounced in mature males (Plate XV). New-born infants are black-furred, with bright pink face and ears; within a week the facial skin fades to pinkish grey, and after about six weeks the black natal coat is replaced by a brown one. Long-tailed macaques are the smallest of the primate species featured in this volume: adult males weight 5–7 kg, and adult females 3–4 kg, so there is marked sexual dimorphism.