Japanese Macaque

• Common Names: Japanese Macaque, Snow Monkey
• Taxonomy Classification Year: 1875
• Monkey Size: 52.28 to 57.01 cm (20.58 to 22.44 in)
• Skin Color(s): Brownish gray, yellowish brown
• Habitat: Forest, mountains
• Diet: Omnivorous
• Native Countries: Japan

The Japanese macaque^[1] (Macaca fuscata), also called the snow monkey, is a terrestrial Old World species of monkeys endemic to Japan.

• They are colloquially known as “snow monkeys” because some live in areas where snow blankets the ground for months each year.
• No other nonhuman primate lives further north or in a colder climate. Japanese macaques range in color from shades of gray and brown to yellowish brown.
• They have colorful faces and pinkish-red rumps. Their fur is very thick, which helps them stay warm during harsh winters as they don’t hibernate.
• These Japanese monkeys have short, stumpy tails. In addition, Japanese macaques exhibit sexual dimorphism; males are typically larger and taller than females.
• Males weigh an average of 11.3 kg and measure 57 cm. Females weigh an average of 8.4 kg and measure 52.3 cm.

The Japanese Macaque feeds on these plants^[¶]:

• Persimmons (Diospyros)
• Marlberry (Ardisia)
• Red Bayberry (Morella rubra).
• Sea Bilberry (Vaccinium bracteatum).
• Sakaki (Cleyera japonica)
• Tara Vine (Actinidia arguta).

• There appears to be a correlation between the body weight of Japanese macaques and the weather.
• Japanese macaques from southern regions generally weigh less than those in northern regions of higher altitudes, where there is more snow during the winter months.
• Japanese macaques are terrestrial and arboreal and are mainly quadrupedal on the forest floor. However, they are diurnal as well.
• These macaques live in troops with a female-centric social structure.
• Hierarchical classifications are essential for the social structure of Japanese macaques. For example, high-ranking individuals have access to food first, so lower-ranking women generally eat less nutritious foods.
• Individuals emit a high-pitched voice when a predator is seen to alert other group members.