Monyet

 Long-tailed Macaque (Macaca fascicularis)

A. Taxonomic Info

Kingdom: Animalia

 Phylum: Chordata

  Class: Mammalia

  Order: Primates

  Family: Cercopithecidae

  Genus: Macaca

  Species: Macaca fascicularis

B. Morphological/ distribution/ habitat info 

Morphology

The Long-tailed Macaque (Macaca fascicularis) is a medium-sized primate with a slender body and a long tail that is typically longer than its body length. Adult males typically weigh between 5 and 9 kg, while females are slightly smaller, averaging 3 to 7 kg. They have short, grayish-brown fur, with a pale face and a prominent, hairless patch on their cheeks. The face of the macaque is flattened, with large, expressive eyes and a long snout. The tail is non-prehensile, used primarily for balance rather than grasping objects. Long-tailed macaques have strong jaws with sharp teeth, which are well-suited to their omnivorous diet that includes fruits, seeds, insects, and small animals. Their hands and feet are opposable, which allows them to grip and manipulate objects (Fuentes, A. (2022)

Distribution 

The Long-tailed Macaque (Macaca fascicularis) is native to Southeast Asia, where it is widely distributed across countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Its range extends through mainland Southeast Asia, as well as islands like Sumatra, Java, Borneo, and the Lesser Sunda Islands. The species is also found on the Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal. In addition to its native range, the Long-tailed Macaque has been introduced to other regions by humans, including Mauritius and Palau. The species is highly adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, mangroves, and urban areas. (Fuentes, A. (2022) 

Habitat info

The long-tailed macaque inhabits a variety of habitats, including forests, mangroves, and coastal areas. They are commonly found near rivers, lakes, and swamps. These monkeys are adaptable and can also live in human-disturbed areas like plantations, parks, and urban environments. They prefer habitats near water sources, as they often forage in mangroves and can swim to escape predators.

C. Traditional Uses / TK-related Info

The Long-tailed Macaque has been historically used in traditional practices in various cultures across Southeast Asia. In some areas, they are used in temple rituals and cultural ceremonies, where they are believed to bring good fortune. In other regions, Long-tailed Macaques are trained as monkey workers for tasks like picking coconuts. Additionally, they have been part of local folklore and myths, symbolizing both playful and mischievous traits.

References

Fuentes, A. (2022). Macaca fascicularis: Long-tailed Macaque Morphology and Behavior. Primates. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10329-022-00844-4