BARBARY MACAQUE Meaning and
Definition
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The Barbary macaque is a species of primate belonging to the Old World monkey family, Cercopithecidae. Also known as Barbary apes, they are native to the Atlas Mountains of North Africa, primarily found in Morocco and Algeria. The term "macaque" refers to a type of monkey that is characterized by their relatively small size, long tail, and large cheek pouches.
Barbary macaques are highly social animals, living in troops of up to 50 individuals. They are known for their distinctive appearance, with a uniformly dark brown to grayish fur covering their bodies, and a lighter-colored fur on their faces. These monkeys typically have a robust build, with males being slightly larger than females.
The diet of Barbary macaques mainly consists of a wide variety of fruits, seeds, leaves, flowers, and insects. They are also known to raid crops and human settlements, which can sometimes lead to conflicts with humans. Due to their adaptability and ability to thrive in various habitats, including forests, woodlands, and mountainous regions, Barbary macaques have managed to survive in their native range despite habitat fragmentation and human activities.
Barbary macaques are highly intelligent animals and exhibit complex social behaviors, including grooming rituals, vocal communication, and hierarchy. They also have a unique social structure, with males often immigrating into new groups while females remain in their natal troops. This species is a subject of scientific research due to their evolutionary significance and their potential role as models for studying human behavior and cognition. They are also popular tourist attractions, particularly in Gibraltar, where a population of Barbary macaques still resides despite being introduced over 300 years ago.
Etymology of BARBARY MACAQUE
The term "barbary macaque" can be broken down into two components: "barbary" and "macaque".
The term "barbary" is derived from the region of North Africa known as the Barbary Coast. The Barbary Coast was a historical territory along the Mediterranean coast of North Africa, which included present-day Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya. The term "Barbary" originated from the Berber people, the indigenous population of North Africa.
The term "macaque" refers to a group of Old World monkeys that belong to the genus Macaca. The word "macaque" is believed to have originated from the Portuguese word "macaco", which means monkey.
Therefore, the term "barbary macaque" refers to a specific species of monkey found in the Barbary Coast region of North Africa, known scientifically as Macaca sylvanus.
