Behavioural responses of long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis) to environmental fluctuations: a preliminary study on Belitung Island, Indonesia

What is it about?

This study looked at how food availability and climate affect the behavior of long-tailed macaques living in coastal forests on Belitung Island, Indonesia. Researchers observed them for six months and found the macaques spent the maximum time resting and autogrooming, fed more on human food, and decreased both moving and home range sizes when visitors were present. Furthermore, when rainfall increased, the macaques engaged in more playing fights. Overall, macaques use specific tactics to conserve energy, which is important for maintaining energy balance, preventing excessive energy expenditure, and maintaining stable body temperature, thereby minimizing energy costs and thermoregulation. Our findings provide valuable reports and essential data for developing conservation programs and strategies, particularly concerning the impacts of human presence and climate change on macaque behavior.

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