Snow monkey, also called the Japanese macaque << muh KAK >> , is a monkey of Japan that survives in unusually cold conditions. Snow monkeys live farther north than any other primate except human beings. Primates are a group of animals that includes apes, monkeys, and people. The snow monkey has thick fur that helps it to survive cold winters in the forested hills and mountains of Japan. Snow monkeys can dig through deep snow to find food. They can survive winter temperatures as low as –4 °F (–20 °C). The snow monkey is perhaps best known for its peculiar habit of bathing in volcanic springs, where it spends much time relaxing in the warm water.
The snow monkey reaches 20 to 30 inches (51 to 76 centimeters) in length, including the tail. Its short tail measures only 3 to 4 inches (8 to 10 centimeters) long. The snow monkey may weigh 15 to 30 pounds (6.8 to 14 kilograms). Males are significantly larger and heavier than females. The snow monkey’s fur ranges in color from brown to gray. It has no fur on the face or rump, which are pink in color.
Snow monkeys live in groups of several dozen individuals. They feed mainly on fruit, seeds, young leaves, and insects. The group is organized around social rank. High-ranking individuals strictly enforce the privileges of rank, such as access to favorite foods. Males leave to join another group after reaching sexual maturity. Females remain in the group in which they were born.
Scientists have conducted much research into the behavior of wild snow monkeys. Studies have focused on several unusual behaviors. In addition to bathing in volcanic springs, snow monkeys wash their food and make snowballs, apparently for no other reason than to play. Captive groups of these animals are bred for research.
See also Macaque .
