Assam macaque
| Assam macaque | ||||||||||||
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Assam macaque ( Macaca assamensis ) |
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| Macaca assamensis | ||||||||||||
| ( McClelland , 1840) |
The Assam Macaque or mountain Rhesus ( Macaca assamensis ) is a primate species from the genus of macaques within the family of Cercopithecidae (Cercopithecidae).
features
The fur of these primates is short, its color varies from yellowish to dark brown. The reddish, hairless face with the long snout and the relatively short, 20 to 40 centimeters long tail are striking. The head body length of these animals is between 50 and 73 centimeters, with the males becoming larger. These reach a weight of 10 to 14.5 kilograms, while females reach around 8 to 12 kilograms.
distribution and habitat
Assam macaques live in South and Southeast Asia , their range extends from Nepal and northern India to southern China and Vietnam . They inhabit a number of habitats, including rainforests and bamboo forests up to 2200 meters above sea level.
Way of life
These animals are diurnal and mainly stay on the ground. They live in groups of 10 to 50 animals that consist of several males and females. These groups have a matrilineal structure, both genders develop a strict hierarchy within the group. The diet of these animals consists of fruits, leaves, other plant material and also small animals.
Little is known about reproduction. After around 165 days of gestation, the female usually gives birth to a single young, which is weaned after around 6 to 12 months. While males have to leave their birth group when they reach sexual maturity, the females remain in their group for life.
threat
The main threat to the Assam macaques is the destruction of their habitat. In particular, the western subspecies ( Macaca assamensis pelops ), which lives in northern India and neighboring countries, is scattered over several remaining areas and only has around 300 animals. It's loud IUCN endangered ( endangered ). The eastern subspecies ( M. a. Assamensis ) is even more common, overall the species is listed as endangered ( vulnerable ) by the IUCN .
In Nepal, the Assam macaques are also hunted by the rue, a nomadic Nepalese ethnic group. They also attribute healing properties to the meat of the Assam macaques. The skin of the Assam macaque is also processed into drums.
literature
- Thomas Geissmann : Comparative Primatology. Springer-Verlag, Berlin et al. 2003, ISBN 3-540-43645-6 .
- Tej Kumar Shrestha: Wildlife of Nepal - A Study of Renewable Resources of Nepal Himalayas. Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu 2003, ISBN 99933-59-02-5 .
- Don E. Wilson, DeeAnn M. Reeder (Eds.): Mammal Species of the World. A taxonomic and geographic Reference. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore MD 2005, ISBN 0-8018-8221-4 .
Web links
- Information on theprimata.com
- Information on primatis.de
- Macaca assamensis in the endangered Red List species the IUCN 2006. Posted by: Eudey et al , 2000. Retrieved on 11 May, 2006.
Single receipts
- ↑ Shrestha, p. 106