Description
Scientific name: Macaca radiata
Life span: Up to 30 years
The bonnet macaque is a very active and social animal. The middle of the head of bonnet macaques has a spiral of hair that radiates outward. They have a golden brown or grayish brown tint. Their faces are bald and, on females, seem pink. In commensal relationships with people, they are most prevalent in the areas surrounding populated areas. They survive in those regions off of the waste and food that locals and tourists produce. Large Ficus trees that border highways close to human communities are frequently where they may be seen resting and feeding.
Native Region/Habitat
The bonnet macaque are native to Western Ghat Mountains, evergreen high forests, dry prairies, and dry deciduous forests.
As Pet
Behavior/Temperament
Bonnet macaques are very active in nature. They are arboreal but somehow spend their time on the ground also. They usually work throughout the day. Their limbs and prehensile tail help them to sway, leap, and jump on trees. The 50–70 cm prehensile tail of juvenile bonnet macaques is used as a support or as an anchor while descending branches that are steeply sloped. In bonnet macaques, grooming is indeed a common behavior. Grooming is a two-way social practice that individuals engage in. Male dominants frequently spend longer grooming other males than do younger males. Social grooming is practiced by all members of the society and is thought to reduce conflict and strengthen ties.
Care/Grooming
The bonnet macaque requires a sizable habitat with both indoor and outdoor spaces. Safety glass walls, plant life, ropes, trees, and grassland are all required for the enclosure. They should have access to a small swimming pool because they are adept swimmers and can have fun there. To prevent bacterial and viral diseases, cages must be kept clean and orderly on a regular basis.
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