The rhesus macaque is a mid-sized Old World monkey with a brownish-grey coat, pink face and rump, and a relatively short tail compared to many other macaques. Their nimble limbs and agile movements reflect a species highly adapted to a variety of habitats, including forests, mountains, and even human-dominated environments. Rhesus macaque behavior highlight strong social bonds, clear dominance hierarchies, and highly communicative facial expressions — traits that make it one of the most widely studied primates in the world.
Rhesus Macaque
Zone
Asia
Scientific name
Macaca mulatta
IUCN Red List status
Least Concern (LC)
Natural habitat
The rhesus macaque is native to South, Central, and Southeast Asia, occupying the largest geographic range of all non-human primates. Habitats range from grasslands to arid and forested areas, and often also include human settlements.
Dietary Requirements
Omnivore: The rhesus macaque diet includes not only fruits, termites, grasshoppers, ants, and beetles, but also over 100 different plant species.
Threats
No major threats, classified as pests in some parts of their range.
Did you know?Stores food in its cheek pouches for later consumption.
A group is called a “troop”.
A group is called a “troop”.
About Al Ain Zoo
About Al Ain Zoo
A Pioneering Vision
Established in 1968 by the UAE’s founding father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Al Ain Zoo has been in the forefront of preserving the region’s wildlife and delicate ecosystem, while caring for hundreds of endangered animals.
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