Cynomolgus monkey
| Cynomolgus Monkey Status Secure | ||||||||||||||
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| Macaca fascicularis Raffles, 1821 |
The cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis) is an arboreal macaque native to South-East Asia, much used in laboratory research. It is also called crab-eating macaque or long-tailed macaque.
It is commonly used in medical experiments connected with neuroscience. It has also been identified as a possible vector for monkeypox.
It is found in most of South-East Asia, including the islands Sumatra, Java, Borneo and the Philippines. In the city Lopburi in Thailand a population of long-tailed macaques is living in the middle of the city, fed by the locals.
Long-tailed macaques are born with black fur, but the fur turns to a yellow green, grey-green or reddish-brown shade as they grow. They have dark snouts, and bluish abdominal skin.
They live in groups of between 20 to 60 individuals. Generally there are about 2.5 adult females for every adult male. These monkeys are often unafraid of humans, and are often found in cities or villages.
These monkeys live for about four years in the wild, but in captivity have been known to live up to 38 years.