Barbary Macaque

The Barbary macaque^[1], also called the Magot macaque, is a macaque endemic to the Atlas Mountains in Morocco and Algeria and a small introduced population in Gibraltar.

• A thick, silky layer of yellowish-brown to gray fur covers the Barbary macaque’s body; its lower part is lighter.
• Their narrow nose and deep pink face are devoid of fur.
• Like all macaques, the species has long canines, powerful jaws, and cheek pouches (storing snacks).
• The front limbs of these old-world monkeys are relatively more extended than the hind legs.

• The species’ lack of a viable tail (officially known as a vestigial tail, meaning that evolution has seen fit to make it a useless tail) has led to their mischaracterization as Barbary apes. However, all Barbary macaques are monkeys, not apes.
• Before the Ice Age, they inhabited the Mediterranean coasts and most of Europe, as far away as the British Isles and Germany.
• Social and outgoing, Barbary macaques live in mixed groups (called troops) of 12 to over 60 animals with an average of 24 members.
• To warn troop members of potential danger, particularly predators, Barbary macaques employ alarm calls of varying loudness and pitch.
• Like other primates, these macaque monkeys spend much time grooming themselves, a hobby that helps build strong social bonds.