When we think about monkeys, one species often comes to mind— the macaque.

Known for being closely connected to human life, macaques have played an important role in Chinese culture, history, and mythology for centuries.

Whether it's in literature, art, drama, or even folk stories, most depictions of monkeys are based on the macaque. In fact, these monkeys have a long history of influencing human culture, symbolizing various qualities and characteristics.

True Facts: Macaques

Video by Ze Frank

Where Do Macaques Live?

Macaques are typically found in tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate zones, living in broadleaf and mixed coniferous forests. They are semi-arboreal creatures, meaning they spend a lot of time in trees but also live on the ground. With their slender tails and limbs, macaques are easily recognizable, especially the red-colored ischial callosities on their behinds. The redness is especially vibrant in females, particularly during the breeding season.

These monkeys are often seen climbing steep cliffs and rocky areas, living in family-based social groups. They are active during the day and have excellent hearing and sense of smell. Their diet consists mainly of young leaves, flowers, fruits, and seeds. Macaques can live up to 25-30 years, reaching reproductive maturity at 4 to 6 years old, and their pregnancy lasts about six months.

The Fascinating Cheek Pouches

One of the most interesting features of macaques is their cheek pouches. Located under the skin of their lower jaws, these pouches connect to their mouths and serve as temporary food storage. When macaques need to quickly grab food or escape danger, they store it in these cheek pouches and chew it slowly when they can relax. This is a unique and practical adaptation that sets them apart from many other animals.

Macaques' Social Behavior

Grooming each other is a significant social activity for macaques. As social animals, macaques live in complex group dynamics and engage in behaviors that strengthen their bonds. Grooming is not just about cleanliness; it's also a way of communicating affection, reinforcing relationships, and calming one another.

Additionally, grooming plays a role in their mating behaviors, as it makes them appear more attractive by keeping their fur shiny and healthy. This interaction also releases their natural scent, which helps attract potential mates.

Facial Expressions: The Language of Emotions

Like humans, macaques show a wide range of emotions through their facial expressions. When angry, they furrow their brows, flap their ears, and show their teeth in an aggressive stance while emitting high-pitched, sharp sounds.

On the other hand, when they are sad or feeling down, they may retreat into a corner, curling up into a ball and appearing lethargic. Their high intelligence allows them to communicate with each other through sounds and gestures, expressing everything from joy to frustration.

Living in Groups: The Social Structure of Macaques

Macaques are highly social creatures, often found in groups ranging from a few to several hundred members. These groups have a well-defined social hierarchy with strict dominance structures.

At the top of the group is the dominant male, the "alpha" or "king" of the macaque family, whose main role is to protect and defend the group. The alpha is usually the largest, strongest, and most impressive male in the group. He is chosen through intense physical competition, where the winner earns the right to rule the group. The macaque king enjoys privileges such as priority access to food and mates, making his position highly coveted.

How is the Alpha Male Chosen?

The process of becoming the alpha male in a macaque troop is a competitive and intense one. Typically, the strongest and most dominant male will challenge the existing leader. This battle for leadership can involve intense fighting, and the stakes are high. If the challenger wins, he gains the respect of the group and earns his place as the new alpha.

However, this leadership position also comes with risks. The defeated challenger is often banished from the group, living a lonely existence outside the protection of the troop. It's a harsh but necessary part of their social structure.

Being the alpha comes with a lot of benefits: access to the best food and mates, but it also means being the protector of the group. The alpha male's leadership ensures that the group stays safe and continues to thrive. However, the position is always at risk, and when the alpha becomes weak or old, another challenge is sure to come, sparking another battle for supremacy.

Conclusion: The Complex World of Macaques

Macaques are not just fascinating creatures because of their physical traits, but also because of their complex social structures and behaviors that mirror our own in many ways. Their tight-knit family groups, intricate social dynamics, and emotional intelligence make them one of the most intriguing primates on the planet.

As we continue to learn about these intelligent monkeys, it's clear that the relationship between macaques and humans goes beyond simple biology—it's a connection that spans culture, history, and the natural world.

Lykkers, next time you see a macaque, you might think a little differently about their behaviors and social life. These monkeys share more similarities with us than we might expect!