What is a Rhesus Monkey?

Rhesus macaque, better known as the rhesus monkey, is a diurnal primate found naturally mostly in central, south, and southeast Asia. The monkey is brown or gray in color and possesses a red or pink face and bottom. Rhesus monkeys are intelligent creatures, and generally live together in clusters called troops, which may contain up to 200 primates. Containing DNA similar to humans, rhesus monkeys have been used in research and even beat man into space.

Typically, a male rhesus monkey is larger than a female. On average, males weigh about 17 pounds (about 7.7 kilograms), with a body length of 21 inches (about 53 centimeters). Females average about 18.5 inches (about 47 centimeters) in length and tip the scales at about 11.5 pounds (about 5.2 kilograms). Both males and females possess a medium-sized tail that is approximately nine inches (about 23 centimeters) long. A rhesus monkey is capable of living for more than two decades.

The primates reside in several countries including Afghanistan, India, China, Pakistan, Thailand, Nepal, and Vietnam. The monkeys are adaptable and can be found in various habitats, including grasslands, woodlands, and mountainous regions. Some monkeys even reside in human communities. Typically, the creatures are found at elevations from sea level to about 6,561 feet (about 2,000 meters), but some rhesus monkeys have been found at heights of as much as 13,123 feet (about 4,000 meters) in China and India. Displaying resiliency, some monkeys even reside in snowy and cold climate found in the mountains of China.

The diet of the rhesus monkey consists of leaves, seeds, roots, fruits, and bark, as well as some insects. Primates that live near human communities may raid gardens and even rummage through trash cans looking for food. Some monkeys that live in captivity may eat things like fruited cookies or marshmallows.

During mating season, the monkey's back legs and behind will become bright red. A female rhesus monkey is pregnant for about 130 to 190 days and will give birth to a single offspring. At birth, a monkey weighs about one pound (about 450 grams).

Due to its similarities to human anatomical and physiological traits, the rhesus monkey has been studied in medical and biological research. By studying the primate, researchers have learned about the various human blood groups. One element of an individual’s blood group, called the Rhesus factor, takes its name from the primate. In addition, the monkey has been studied to help develop smallpox and polio vaccines, as well as drugs to treat HIV and AIDS. The rhesus monkey was also one of the first living creatures to be sent into space and come back alive.

A Rhesus Monkey, scientifically known as Macaca mulatta, is a primate species native to South, Central, and Southeast Asia. They are of significant interest in biological and medical research due to their close genetic relationship to humans, sharing approximately 93% of their DNA with us, which makes them ideal for studies in genetics, behavior, and biomedical research.

Rhesus Monkeys are adaptable creatures found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, woodlands, and mountainous regions. They are predominantly distributed across India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, Burma, Thailand, Afghanistan, Vietnam, southern China, and some neighboring areas. Their adaptability to various environments has contributed to their widespread presence.

Rhesus Monkeys are omnivorous animals with a diet that includes fruits, roots, seeds, and insects. They are known for their opportunistic feeding habits and can also consume small animals and crops, which sometimes leads to conflicts with humans. Their flexible diet is one of the reasons they thrive in diverse habitats.

Rhesus Monkeys are highly social and live in matrilineal troops, which can consist of up to 200 individuals. These troops have a complex social structure with a dominance hierarchy that influences access to food and mates. Social bonds are maintained through grooming and other interactions, which are crucial for their survival and reproduction.

Rhesus Monkeys are invaluable in scientific research due to their physiological and genetic similarities to humans. They have contributed to numerous medical breakthroughs, including the development of vaccines and treatments for diseases. The Rh factor, an important element in blood transfusion compatibility, was first discovered in Rhesus Monkeys, hence the name 'Rh factor'.

Currently, Rhesus Monkeys are listed as 'Least Concern' by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), indicating they are not immediately at risk of extinction. However, habitat destruction and illegal hunting for food and traditional medicine pose threats to certain populations, necessitating ongoing conservation efforts to ensure their long-term survival.