Toque Monkey (Macaca Sinica)

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Sinhalese: Rilawa

Tamil: Kurangu

Description: There are three races of this specie each differing slightly in color, the mountain race having longer and thicker fur. The adult male is larger than the female being about 52 cm in the length of body and head, the female being about 41 cm, and both sexes have large cheek pouches. Very large males can weight up to about 7 Kgs.

Distribution: Found in jungle areas throughout the island. This species is endemic to Sri Lanka.

Habits: this monkey is gregarious, living in family troops of 20 or more, each group having its own territory. Of the two low country races, much of their time is spent on the ground grooming, playing and feeding, but the mountain race appears to be more arboreal. They are mainly diurnal and their food consists of fruits, seeds, flowers, leaves, insects, lizards and the eggs and young of small birds. Their cheek pouches are often put to good use, and when the need arises, they can stuff in an amazing amount of food at high speed. In captivity they have been known to live for 25-30 years.

Breeding: The gestation period is about 6 months and normally one young is born, very occasionally two are born. While the baby is very young, it clings to the fur of the mother’s breast and goes everywhere with her.

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