The Assam macaque (Macaca assamensis) is a macaque of the Old World monkey family native to South and Southeast Asia. Since 2008, the species has been listed as Near Threatened by IUCN, as it is experiencing significant declines due to hunting, habitat degradation and fragmentation.
Physical Appearance[]
These macaques have yellowish to dark brown coat. They do not have hairs on their face. Skin of the adults is red in colour. It has short tail. Male length of the head and body is 431-587mm and weigh around 4.9-8.6kg. Female length of the head and body 538-730mm and weigh around 7.9-15.0kg.This species has cheek pouches to carry food in while it forages. It is heaviest of all macaques found in India.
Range and Habitat[]
Assam Macaque is found in the north eastern part of India in Assam. It is also found in the entire Himalayan range eastward from Uttaranchal, in Kaziranga andSundarbans National Park. Assam Macaque prefer mountain, evergreen, bamboo, and deciduous dry forests at 300 – 3500 m.
Diet[]
The Assam Macaque consumes fruits, leaves, invertebrates, cereals, insect and mammal prey.
Reproduction[]
The gestation period lasts for 165 days. Assemese Macaque give birth to single offspring which weighs around 400 g at birth.
Conservation Status[]
Assam Macaque are classified as vulnerable by the 2000 IUCN Red list. Habitat destruction has declined the population of the Assam Macaque in the north eastern region of India. They are also haunted by the local tribesmen for food. It have been hunted in the Himalayan regions of North Bengal, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh where it invades crop fields frequently. The Assamese macaque is listed under Schedule II of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.