Found mainly in the forested mountains of central and southeastern China, including parts of Tibet, Sichuan, Yunnan, and Guizhou, this hardy monkey is well adapted to living in cold, high-altitude environments, where few other primates can thrive. With its thick fur, powerful build, and highly social lifestyle, the Tibetan macaque is a fascinating and often underappreciated member of the Old World monkey family.

Tibetan macaques have dense, shaggy fur that ranges from brownish-gray to golden, with lighter underparts. This thick coat helps them withstand the chilly mountain climates where they live, sometimes at elevations over 2,000 meters (6,500 feet). Their faces are pink and bare, framed by a mane of fur, and they have short tails, giving them a somewhat bulky, bear-like appearance.

These macaques are terrestrial and arboreal, spending time both in trees and on the ground, and are diurnal, active during the day. They live in mixed-sex troops of up to 40 individuals, led by a dominant male and structured by complex hierarchies among both males and females. Social grooming is a major part of troop life, used to strengthen bonds and reduce tension. Troop members communicate with vocalizations, facial expressions, and body gestures, showing a high degree of social intelligence.

Tibetan macaques are omnivores, but they mostly eat plant material, such as fruits, leaves, stems, seeds, and bark. In winter, when food is scarce, they may dig for roots or strip bark from trees. They also eat insects, bird eggs, and small animals when available. Their flexible diet helps them survive in rugged and seasonally harsh environments.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

China

NT

2015