Barbary Macaque - Ecology

Ecology

Dwelling in forests of cedar, pine and oak, the Barbary macaque may frequent elevations of 2,100 m (6,900 ft) above sea level or higher. It is a diurnal animal, dividing its time more or less equally between arboreal and terrestrial territory. Mostly herbivorous, this monkey feeds on leaves, roots, and fruit, but will also eat insects. By day, the Barbary macaque patrols a territory which may span several square kilometres; it peacefully coexists with other primate species and shares watering holes without incident. The Barbary macaque moves energetically on all fours, occasionally rising erect on its hind limbs to survey for threats.

The Barbary macaque is gregarious, forming mixed groups of several females and males. Troops can have 10 to 100 individuals and are matriarchal, with their hierarchy determined by lineage to the lead female. Unlike other macaques, the males participate in rearing the young. Males may spend a considerable amount of time playing with and grooming infants. In this way, a strong social bond is formed between males and juveniles, both the male's own offspring and those of others in the troop. This may be a result of selectivity on the part of the females, who may prefer highly parental males.

The mating season runs from November through March. The gestation period is 147 to 192 days, and females usually have only one offspring per pregnancy. Females rare twins in rare instances. Offspring reach maturity at three to four years of age, and may live for 20 years or more.