Ecological requirements of macaques

Macaques are believed to have originated in northern Africa about 6 million years ago. These primates ultimately colonized much of southern and eastern Asia where today some 15 to 19 species exist in habitats that range from broadleaf evergreen forests to agricultural and urbanized areas. Their diets are heavily vegetarian and, for most species, include a preponderance of wild fruits. Groups are large and cohesive and consist of female kin and several immigrant males. Kinship and hierarchy are the main behavior regulators within groups. Female macaques are polyestrous, and have a modal cycle length of 31 days. Most, but not all, macaque species are seasonally reproductive. Females are the primary caretakers, but species differences in allomothering and male affinities with infants occur and may, in some cases, be important for socialization. In captive colonies, social and rearing environments and modes of provisioning often depart significantly from those that occur in nature. Within limits, naturalistic patterns can serve as useful models for improving the quality of life for captive macaques.