International Macaque Week 2025

Symrna Darkmorph
Apr 30
4 min read

International Macaque Week (IMW) is the first week of May. This year's theme for International Macaque Week, "Respect Their Nature," builds upon last year's vital theme of "Macaque Positivity." As explained by Amanda from the Asia for animals, Macaque Coalition, "Macaque Positivity" aims to counter the negative portrayals of macaques in media as pests or menaces, fostering a view of them as positive beings with whom we can coexist. "Respect Their Nature" emphasizes the importance of allowing macaques to live as they should – in their natural habitats, eating their natural foods, and behaving according to their instincts, free from the unnatural constraints and exploitations seen in social media.

What are Macaques?

According to the Macaque Coalition, and I quote...

Macaques are monkeys that belong to the genus (group of species) Macaca. There are many different genera (the plural of genus) of monkeys and other primates across Asia. All monkeys have certain characteristics in common, but macaques have a lot more in common with each other than they do with other Asian monkeys. For example, they all have cheek pouches, in which they can carry and store food for later!

India is home to 14 species of non-human primates such as

Macaques: 6 species
Langurs: 5 species
Lorises: 2 species
Gibbon: 1 species

Why Macaques Matter: Their Crucial Ecological Roles

Beyond their intrinsic value as living beings, macaques play significant roles in maintaining the health and balance of their natural environments. Understanding these ecological functions helps us appreciate their importance and the consequences of their decline or mistreatment:

Seed Dispersal: Macaques are frugivores, meaning a significant portion of their diet consists of fruits. 1 As they move through the forest, they ingest seeds and later deposit them in different locations through their droppings. 2 This process is crucial for the regeneration and dispersal of many plant species, contributing to forest diversity and health. 3 Without macaques, the distribution and abundance of certain trees and plants could be significantly impacted.
Nutrient Cycling: Through their feeding and waste products, macaques contribute to nutrient cycling within the forest. Their droppings return essential nutrients to the soil, supporting plant growth and overall ecosystem productivity.
Indicators of Ecosystem Health: As primates, macaques are sensitive to environmental changes and habitat degradation.Their presence and health can serve as indicators of the overall health and stability of the ecosystem. Declines in macaque populations can signal broader environmental problems that may affect other species as well.

Why shouldn't we feed Monkeys (macaques) ?

The act of feeding macaques human food like chips, cold drinks, and ice cream, while seemingly harmless, has detrimental long-term effects. This provisioning leads to habituation to unhealthy foods, mirroring human tendencies towards junk food. This can negatively impact their digestive systems and overall health. Furthermore, the close proximity between humans and macaques increases the risk of zoonotic disease transmission in both directions. This also skews our perception, leading us to view them as pests when they naturally return to urban areas seeking food.

How to avoid monkey (macaque)-human conflict in urban areas?

So, what can individuals do to minimize conflict and mistreatment when in macaque habitats?

Carry food in secure bags, not plastic bags. The rustling sound and curiosity of macaques can lead them to snatch plastic bags, causing fear and potential conflict.
Maintain a safe distance of at least 7 meters. Macaques can jump, and keeping a distance respects their space and reduces the likelihood of confrontation. Observe them from afar, allowing them to behave naturally.
Refrain from taking selfies. While tempting, approaching macaques for selfies can be stressful for them and potentially dangerous. Capture photos from a respectful distance.

What about monkeys that cause problems for farmers ?

The challenges faced by farmers who view macaques as pests damaging their crops are significant. It's often a competition for resources, says Amanda from Macaque Coalition.

We need to consider the broader context of habitat encroachment. While there isn't a one-size-fits-all solution, there are several insightful approaches:

Implementing fencing: Creating physical barriers can help protect crops.
Educating local communities: Raising awareness about macaque behavior and the importance of coexistence is crucial.
Using deterrents: Employing non-harmful methods like scary sounds or planting crops that macaques don't prefer in buffer zones can be effective.
Highlighting the positive roles of macaques: Educating people about their ecological contributions, such as seed dispersal, can foster a more positive perception.

What role does Social Media play in respecting macaques and building macaque positivity?

The allure of "cute" macaques in human-like situations often drives harmful trends. Amanda pointed out. Promoting responsible social media use and encouraging users to report content that exploits wildlife are crucial steps in changing perceptions and reducing the demand for such content. Educating our immediate circles about respectful behavior towards macaques can create a ripple effect and help magnify Macaque Conservation efforts.

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