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Japanese macaque(Macaca fuscata)
Phylum —chordata
Class — mammalia
Order — primates
Family — cercopithecidae
Genus – macaca
Appearance
Japanese macaques have short stumps for tails that average 92.51 mm (3.642 in) in males and 79.08 mm (3.113 in) in females. The macaque has a pinkish face and posterior. The rest of its body is covered in brown or greyish hair. The coat of the macaque is well-adapted to the cold and its thickness increases as temperatures decrease. The macaque can cope with temperatures as low as −20 °C (−4 °F).
Habitat
The Japanese macaque is the northernmost-living monkey. They are found on three of the four main Japanese islands: Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu.
Behavior
Japanese macaques live in groups of 20-30, led by the dominant male. Females stay in their birth group for life, but males leave the group before sexual maturity. Females spend more of their time in trees, while males spend most of their time on the ground. The dominant male has a role in siring young, deciding where the troop should go, and protecting the troop from predators and other macaque troops. They are very sociable animals, especially the females who together groom and raise the troop's young.
Diet
The Japanese macaque eats smaller animals and plants, mainly fruits, berries, seeds, flowers and young leaves, picking them from the surrounding vegetation. They also eat insects, crabs and bird's eggs during the winter months.
Reproduction
Japanese macaques have a number of partners during a mating season, which lasts 4 to 5 months between September and April. Females usually choose a mate by his rank. Births occur between March and September, after a gestation period lasting 6 months. A single infant will be born. Baby macaques cling to their mother for two years.
Lifespan is at the high end of what is typical for macaques, up to 28 years for males, and up to 32 years for females.
In captivity
Macaques are very active and mobile animals. They are very fond of looking at everything, touching, pulling, so they need to be kept either in a special cage or in an aviary. Their home should be spacious and comfortable. The cage should be between 8 and 10 square meters in size. Also, an attention should be paid to the level ofthe strength of the monkey house. Primates are smart enough and can bend the sticks of the cage to get out, so the cage should be a nickel-plated one, and the top of it is covered with a mesh.
Separate containers must be installed for feeding and drinking.
Do not forget that Japanese macaques should not be let out of sight, because they can turn off the tap with water, gas, turn on electric appliances in an instant, which can lead to undesirable consequences. Therefore, when you want to let your pet walk around the house, for your and its safety, try to follow it.
It`s very good if the owners have the opportunity to allocate such a pet in a separate room. You can place a cage in the corner and the rest of the area to equip for walking.
Do not forget about its personal hygiene and toilet. In this case, any metal container or basin can helpful. Fill the container with sand or a large filler. Do not use paper, as your pet will simply tear it to shreds, which you will have to collect. Keeping such an unusual primate in the house you should follow your ordinary daily routine. Otherwise your pet will experience a very strong stress. A large number of people and a change of environment frighten the monkeys.
You need to check the animal's tray regularly, and change the filler frequently — this way you can avoid unwanted odors. In the daytime, you need to use diapers. Bathe your pet twice a day with any baby shampoo.
Do not forget to check the house of the Japanese monkey, as it is very fond of hiding food, which eventually spoils and harms both the animal and the owners.
If you have small children, then the idea of getting a Japanese macaque should be abandoned. This will be uncomfortable for both the child and the pet.
