Rhesus Macaque : Study
The standing committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SC-NBWL) has recommended reinstating Rhesus Macaque species of monkeys under Schedule II of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
- The Rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) is a species of Old World monkey.
- Rhesus macaques are familiar brown primates with red faces and rears. They have close-cropped hair on their heads, which accentuates their very expressive faces.
- They are native to India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand, Afghanistan, Vietnam, southern China, and some neighboring areas.
- They may be found in forests, mangroves, scrub, grasslands, and mountainous regions.
- They also adapt well to human presence and form larger troops in human-dominated landscapes than in forests.
- Rhesus macaques are omnivorous animals, eating seeds, roots, bark, fruits, and cereals.
- Characteristics of Rhesus macaques:
- Social groups: They live in large groups, often led by a dominant male.
- Lifestyle: These are social, diurnal, and both terrestrial and arboreal animals.
- Communication: They use vocalizations, facial expressions, and body language
- Conservation Status:
- IUCN: Least Concern
- Wildlife Protection Act of 1972: Schedule II.
