The Japanese snow macaque is an incredibly cute and funny animal. This mammal lives in a rather harsh climate. The Japanese macaque would have become extinct long ago if it were not for the careful attention of zoologists who constantly monitor the state of the population. Currently, this species of primates is listed in the Red Book and is under the threat of complete extinction.
Habitats
Among the Japanese islands, there is one that was chosen by the hero of our review - the Japanese macaque. They are the northernmost species of primates, and Yakushima Island, with a rather harsh climate, is their home.
In 1972, a dozen and a half of heterosexual individuals were transported to the USA, in the state of Texas, but in the 80s, several individuals fled into the forests outside the farm on which they lived. As a result, the Japanese macaque has added the United States to its natural habitats. Also, these little animals can be seen in zoos, in particular, in Moscow. In fact, they are heat-loving animals. They arecould well take root in the southern countries of Europe. However, their love of raiding empty houses, destroying gardens and gardens, and spoiling flower beds in parks forces them to keep a small number of individuals only in closed zoo enclosures.
Appearance
Japanese macaque looks quite large and imposing. It's all about thick, long and fluffy hair. The animal looks especially beautiful in the cold season, when it is overgrown with winter wool. He has it steel-gray, with a bronze sheen.
Nature has not endowed this type of monkey with a long tail. They boast only a very short, bunny-like, adorable round ball.
The growth of the largest male does not reach 100 cm, and the weight does not exceed 15 kg. The females are much smaller. They are easy to tell by the way they behave. Males are more daring, and females try to be more modest. Often they have a baby hanging on their arms or back.
Muzzles of monkeys and other parts of the body that are not covered with hair in winter from water and cold air become weathered and turn red.
The Japanese cherish the population as a national treasure
A flock is a family of several dozen macaques of different sex and age. The Japanese spend large sums from the country's budget to maintain the population. A decrease in the number of individuals of one flock is always fraught with rapid extinction due to closely related marriages that weaken the gene pool.
Average life span of a snowymacaques - 25-30 years. This is also the merit of zoologists and veterinarians who closely monitor the he alth of their charges.
Pregnancy in Japanese snow monkeys lasts six months. There is only one cub in the litter, weighing up to 500 grams. Twins or triplets are the rarest case, and it is immediately announced throughout the country. The Japanese carefully monitor the he alth of mothers and babies. In snow monkeys, not only females take care of offspring, but also males. If you come across a monkey with a baby on its back, then do not think that this is necessarily a mother and child. It may very well be that you happened to meet a caring dad.
A game or a manifestation of an economic streak?
I must say that monkeys do not tolerate cold at all, even temperatures above zero, close to 0 degrees. But not the Japanese macaque. Photos of winter Yakushima show monkeys in the most cheerful mood. This type of monkey is distinguished by good communication skills. If there is snow on the island, which is not uncommon in Japan, you can see Japanese macaques playing snowballs.
Actually, animals don't play with snow the way humans do. Monkeys cover gifts received from visitors to the nursery with snow. They do it very diligently. The result is neat and even koloboks.
Hot springs are a lifesaver for little primates
Although the monkeys are thermophilic, they feel great in five-degree frost. That's why they were calledJapanese snow macaques. In fact, lakes with warm water from underground sources save charming animals from colds. Animals, getting out of warm water in the cold, freeze just like people. And it is no accident that we see that, having climbed into the water to the very neck, the whole flock of Japanese macaques are sitting in hot springs. Photos show that they do not play in the snow if the fur is wet. It's not easy for them at this time.
Diet
Servants of the nursery feed the monkeys three times a day, but in the fresh air the metabolism speeds up, and you want to eat all the time. The most courageous and he althy individuals do not climb into the water until it becomes completely cold. As long as you can endure, they are engaged in the extraction of food. Tourists bring in a lot of food. There are always plenty of them in the park. Monkeys with dry hair take handouts from them and take them to the family. The work is not easy, because you have to feed everyone.
Monkeys eat both plant and animal food. With pleasure they get small crustaceans from the bottom of reservoirs, snails and insect larvae. In summer, they climb trees and destroy bird nests. If they catch a mouse, they will eat it too. The main food is vegetables, fruits and root vegetables.
At night, when tourists leave the territory, and the frost gets stronger, you can see how closely all the Japanese macaques huddle together. They sit in hot springs until the morning and do not get out of them anywhere.
Love of cleanliness is not the strongest side of the character of monkeys
DespiteDespite the fact that cleaning in the nursery is carried out regularly, the smell of the zoo is felt very strongly. Monkeys do not choose a separate place for the toilet. After all, the water in the springs where primates spend most of their time is rarely cleaned, and chemical disinfectants cannot be used - animals drink the same water.
Obviously, people should not swim in these reservoirs, although sometimes in some photos you can see daredevils enjoying splashing in the water next to macaques.
In conclusion, I would like to say that visiting the monkey island, as they call Yakushima in Japan, always cheers up and leaves the best impressions. It is very interesting to watch charming little animals, and feeding them is also fun. Even if one of them steals your hat, you will still feel great pleasure from communicating with nimble bullies.
