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Japanese Macaque

Macaca fuscata

Japanese Macaques, also known as snow monkeys, are playful and curious animals. They live in groups and love to soak in hot springs during the cold winter months.

Habitat: Mountain regions

Appearance

The Japanese Macaque has thick, reddish-brown to grayish fur, which provides excellent insulation against cold. It is easily recognized by its distinctive bright red face and rump, especially prominent in adults. Its strong, stocky build is well-suited for its often snowy, mountainous habitat.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderPrimatesFamilyCercopithecidaeGenusMacaca
Japanese Macaque
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Japanese Macaque

Category

Mammals

Rarity

Common

Danger

3/5 · Moderate

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Japanese Macaques are the world's most northerly living non-human primates!

Some groups of macaques develop unique 'accents' or dialects in their calls!

These clever monkeys are known to make and play with snowballs for fun!

They recognize themselves in a mirror, showing advanced self-awareness!

Special abilities

Ability

Thermal Bathing

Japanese Macaque can warm up in natural hot springs, which helps them survive freezing winter temperatures.

Ability

Winter Coat

Japanese Macaque has very thick fur that helps them stay warm and insulated even in deep snow and cold weather.

Ability

Food Cleaner

Japanese Macaque can wash their food in water, like potatoes, which helps them remove dirt and salt.

Ability

Culture Spreader

Japanese Macaque can learn new behaviors from each other, which then spreads through their group.

Measurements & details

Length
47-60 cm
Weight
8-14 kg
Lifespan
20-30 years
Top Speed
25 km/h
Litter Size
1-2
Gestation
170-180 days

Diet & Feeding

Omnivores that eat leaves, fruits, insects, and sometimes small animals depending on availability.

Primary Foods

  • Fruits
  • Leaves
  • Seeds
  • Insects
  • Tree Bark
  • Small Invertebrates

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Golden Eagle

Aquila chrysaetos

Young macaques can be preyed upon by this large raptor.

eaten by

Asian Black Bear

Ursus thibetanus

Cubs and sometimes adults can be prey for these forest bears.

eats

Sawtooth Oak

Quercus acutissima

They frequently forage for the acorns and leaves of this tree.

eats

Japanese Cherry

Prunus serrulata

Macaques consume the fruits and leaves of this common tree.

Traits

Also known as

Snow Monkey

Collections

Safety

Danger

3/5 · Moderate

Always watch from a distance and never try to feed wild monkeys.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Japanese Macaque?

47-60 cm

How much does Japanese Macaque weigh?

8-14 kg

How long does Japanese Macaque live?

20-30 years

How fast can Japanese Macaque move?

25 km/h

What does Japanese Macaque eat?

Omnivores that eat leaves, fruits, insects, and sometimes small animals depending on availability.

Where is Japanese Macaque usually found?

Mountain regions

How does Japanese Macaque hunt?

Foraging

How many babies does Japanese Macaque usually have?

1-2

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