Macaca radiata (É.Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1812)

Common Name and Sexual Dimorphism

This species, commonly called the bonnet macaque, has distinct physical size differences between males and females.

Head-Body and Tail Length

Males have a head-body length of 51.5–60 cm (20.3–23.6 in) with a 51–69 cm (20–27 in) tail, while females have a head-body length of 34.5–52.5 cm (13.6–20.7 in) with a 48–63.5 cm (18.9–25.0 in) tail.

Body Weight

Males weigh 5.4–11.6 kg (12–26 lb), and females weigh 2.9–5.5 kg (6.4–12.1 lb).

Head Cap Feature

Bonnet macaques have a cap-shaped whorl on the top of their heads that spreads outward from the center.

Fur and Ear Coloration

Their body fur can be either dark brown or yellow, and they have characteristic black ears.

Female Facial Color During Reproduction

Female bonnet macaques typically have redder faces during gestation and lactation.

Habitat-Related Size Variation

Forest-dwelling bonnet macaques are generally smaller than conspecifics that live in open habitats.

Activity Pattern and Habitat Use

Bonnet macaques are a diurnal, primarily arboreal species that resides in trees.

Territoriality and Habitat Characteristics

They defend their own marked territory within their settled tree areas, which are primarily fig trees near human settlements or tall trees with enough leaves to use as a food source.

Native Distribution

They are native to and distributed across the Indian peninsula.

Population Estimate by Region

The total estimated population of bonnet macaques in their native India is approximately 170,000 individuals, with an estimated 81,000 in Karnataka, 64,000 in Andhra Pradesh, 16,000 in Tamil Nadu, and 11,000 in Kerala.

Reproductive Maturity Age

Bonnet macaques reach reproductive maturity at three to four years old.

Birthing Season

The majority of births occur between February and April, before the monsoon season arrives.

Mating System

Bonnet macaques have a polygynandrous mating system.

Gestation and Litter Size

The gestation period lasts 24 weeks, and a single infant is the typical outcome of a pregnancy.

Infant Nursing and Weaning

Young bonnet macaques nurse for six to seven months, and after this period begin receiving assisted feedings of solid food from their mother.

Troop Interaction With Infants

Other members of the troop, especially related females, show interest in new infants during the infants' first months of life.