Pic: Manoj JC Sindghi

Bonnet macaques are the monkeys you see in any hill station in India. They are found in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra and Gujarat and can live anywhere — from dry scrublands to rainforests and deciduous forests to cities as well.

The animal gets its name from the whorl of hair — that sits like a cap — on top of its head. Its body is brown and golden yellow. The long tail helps it balance when it swings from tree to tree.

The monkey moves in troops of no less than 75 individuals. The females live in harmony but the males fight to rise in rank and find the healthiest wife!

A baby macaque weighs less than 500gm at birth and is unable to walk.

The bonnet macaque loves fruits, nuts, leaves, stems, seeds, herbs, mushrooms and flowers. It also feeds on insects such as crickets, cicadas, caterpillars and spiders, and even birds’ eggs.

Sanctuary Asia