Bonnet Macaque

Bonnet Macaque

Macaca radiata
Life Span
20-35 yrs
3.5-9 kg
30-60 cm

This Old World monkey is endemic exclusively to India. The Bonnet macaque is so called because of exhibiting a cap-like coil of fur on its head that points outward from the center. The overall coloration of this animal is dusky brown to golden yellow with red face as well as black ears and lower lip.


The Bonnet macaques are distributed throughout southern India in a territory, restricted to the Indian Ocean on three sides as well as the Godavari and Tapti Rivers. In the north, their range overlaps with that of related Rhesus macaques, with which these animals compete. Suitable habitats for this species are evergreen high forests and dry deciduous forests of the Western Ghat Mountains. Additionally, Bonnet macaques may occasionally be observed travelling into dry prairies.

Bonnet Macaque habitat map



Climate zones

Habits and Lifestyle

Although the Bonnet macaques are able to live both on the ground and in trees, they usually spend much of their time on the ground. These macaques are generally diurnal animals. These highly social creatures form groups of 30 individuals on average, consisting of multiple males and females. When reaching maturity, males usually leave to find another group, whereas females continue living with their natal troop, gathering into sub-groups of related individuals. Social grooming is an important part of their daily life, enhancing interpersonal relationships and help them settle down conflicts. Meanwhile, this activity is not a one-way social behavior, where subordinate animals serve dominant ones, as in many primate species. Instead, all individuals take part in it, and dominant males of this species spend even more time grooming group members than do young males. Another common activity in Bonnet macaques is male-male mounting, often with dominant males mounting juveniles.

Diet and Nutrition

Bonnet macaques are omnivores, they generally feed upon fruits, nuts, cereals, seeds, leaves, berries, flowers and foliage, supplementing this diet with bird eggs and various invertebrates.

Mating Habits

peaks in September-October
24 weeks
1 infant
1 year

Bonnet macaques are polygynandrous (promiscuous) with both males and females having multiple partners. The breeding season largely depends on location. However, most breeding occurs in September-October. Gestation period lasts for 24 weeks on average, yielding a single baby, which remains close to its mother for 6 - 12 months. During this period, the female carries the baby either on her back or in her arms, nursing the infant for 6 - 7 months. Even after weaning, the young macaque is unable to provide itself with food and doesn't leave its mother until about 1 year old, by which time it has learnt to forage independently. The process of puberty in males is associated with full testicular enlargement, which takes 1 - 2 years, beginning at 3 years old and lasting until 4 - 5 years old. Females of this species are usually mature at 3 years old and are ready to produce offspring at 4 years old.


Population threats

In some parts of their range, Bonnet macaques are hunted and sold for research and road shows. Those in agricultural and urban areas come into serious conflicts with humans, which pose another threat to this species.

Population number

This species is locally abundant. As stated by the Indian Institute of Technology Madras, the four southern states of India hold about 170,000 Bonnet macaques. The population in Tamil Nadu is estimated to approximately 16,000 animals. Overall, Bonnet macaques are currently classified as Least Concern (LC), but their numbers are decreasing.

Ecological niche

Due to their frugivory diet, these animals act as important seed dispersers of their forest habitat.

Fun Facts for Kids

  • Bonnet macaque is an exceptionally good swimmer.
  • These primates rest and sleep huddling together in single-sex groups. Thus, the dominant male of the community usually huddles with juvenile males. Adult female mothers rest huddling together, whereas their offspring huddle with single mature females of the group.
  • Juveniles of this species are known to display physical behaviors such as wrestling and mock attacks.
  • One of the most outstanding behaviors of Bonnet macaques is play with mature males of various ages taking part in it. Meanwhile, juveniles and infants typically aren't afraid of adult males, leaping at, kicking, clinging to, and occasionally even biting them.
  • Bonnet macaques have a rather diverse diet, although their favorite food is a grasshopper.
  • When it's hard to find suitable food in the wild, Bonnet macaques often steal it from nearby houses and temples.
  • These primates sleep in trees, often preferring fig trees, growing around human settlements.
  • Bonnet macaques are known to give out loud alarm calls to warn members of their community about potential threats. In order to build social and emotional relationships with others, this animal will use lip smacking. Submission is displayed by erect upper lip and exposed teeth. Conflicts are settled by emitting grinning and clicking sounds.


1. Bonnet Macaque Wikipedia article -
2. Bonnet Macaque on The IUCN Red List site -

More Fascinating Animals to Learn About