Southern pig-tailed macaque

(Macaca.nemestrina-1-PragueZOO

Southern Pig-tailed Macaque (Macaca nemestrina), also known as the Sundaland pig-tailed macaque or Beruk in Malaysia, is a medium-sized primate species found in the southern part of Southeast Asia. This species is notable for its distinctive short tail that is carried half-erect, resembling the tail of a pig, which is the origin of its common name. The Southern Pig-tailed Macaque is a part of the Cercopithecidae family, which encompasses the Old World monkeys.

Description

The Southern Pig-tailed Macaque has a robust body with a brown to black fur coat and a slightly lighter underbelly. Adult males are significantly larger than females, with males weighing up to 15 kg (33 lbs) and females around 10 kg (22 lbs). Their facial skin is dark, and they have cheek pouches to store food while foraging. One of the most distinctive features of this species is its short, pig-like tail, which is unlike the longer tails seen in many other macaque species.

Habitat and Distribution

This species is primarily found in rainforests, including both lowland and mountainous regions, up to an elevation of 2,000 meters. Their range extends from southern Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, to parts of Sumatra and Borneo in Indonesia. The Southern Pig-tailed Macaque prefers dense, primary forests but can also be found in secondary forests and areas adjacent to human settlements, where they are often seen raiding crops.

Behavior

Southern Pig-tailed Macaques are diurnal and terrestrial, although they also spend a significant amount of time in trees. They live in multi-male, multi-female groups, with a complex social structure. These macaques are known for their ability to use tools, such as using leaves to wipe their faces or sticks to access food. Their diet is omnivorous, consisting of fruits, seeds, small animals, and insects.

Conservation Status

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified the Southern Pig-tailed Macaque as Vulnerable. The primary threats to their population include habitat destruction due to logging and agricultural expansion, hunting for food, and capture for the pet trade. Conservation efforts are necessary to ensure the survival of this species, including habitat protection and legal enforcement against poaching and illegal trade.

Cultural Significance

In some areas of their range, Southern Pig-tailed Macaques have been trained to harvest coconuts for humans. This practice highlights the intelligence of the species but also raises ethical concerns regarding animal welfare.