Urban Mammals: Macaques

Long-tailed macaque, Monyet
Macaca fascicularis

It is light brown or greyish fur and a long tail. A troop could comprise up to 30 individuals. Sometimes they disperse into small groups when they are out foraging. It is capable of swimming. Long-tailed macaques have several sleeping trees that they will go back to after they are done foraging for the day.

Southern pig-tailed macaque, Beruk
Macaca nemestrina

Identified by its creamy-brown fur with darker fur along its back. The length of tail is the main characteristic used to differentiate between this species and the long-tailed macaques. This species has a short tail that tends to look like a pig’s, hence its common name.

Local name: Monyet

Activity pattern: Diurnal

Ecological function: Seed disperser

Level in food chain: Primary and secondary consumer

Feeding behaviour: Omnivore

Food items: Fruits, leaves, shellfish, crabs, human leftovers

Habitat: Primary and secondary forests, mangroves, plantations and urban areas

Local name: Berok, beruk

Activity pattern: Diurnal

Ecological function: Seed disperser, prey-predator relationship

Level in food chain: Primary and secondary consumer

Feeding behaviour: Omnivore

Food items: Fruits, small vertebrates and invertebrates

Habitat: Inhabits primary forest but ventures to cultivated areas when foraging