About Macaca thibetana (A.Milne-Edwards, 1870)
Species Size Ranking
The Tibetan macaque (Macaca thibetana) is the largest macaque species, and one of the largest monkeys native to Asia. Among Asian monkeys, only the proboscis monkey and larger gray langur species grow larger than this species.
Sexual Size Dimorphism
Males are larger than females. Adult males typically weigh between 13 and 19.5 kg (29 to 43 lb), measure 61 to 71 cm (24 to 28 in) in body length, and have been recorded reaching a maximum weight of 30 kg (66 lb).
Female Size Measurements
By contrast, adult females weigh 9 to 13 kg (20 to 29 lb) and have a body length of 49 to 63 cm (19 to 25 in).
Tail Characteristics
Both sexes have a short, stump-like tail that is just 4 to 14 cm (1.6 to 5.5 in) long, and females have noticeably shorter tails than males.
Fur Adaptation
This species' long, dense fur is well adapted to its cold habitats. The fur is brown on the back, with underparts that range from creamy-buff to grey.
Adult Fur Variation
Adult individuals vary in back color: some are quite dark brown, while others are a sandy yellowish-brown. Tibetan macaques have a prominent pale-buff beard and long whiskers, but their faces are relatively hairless.
Facial Coloration
Male faces are pale pinkish, while female faces are a brighter, more vivid reddish-pink.
Infant Fur Development
Newborn infants have silver-and-black fur, which transitions to the full adult color pattern by the time they reach two years of age.
