Updates On 18th May 2015

PARENTAL CARE IN MACAQUES

Long-tailed macaque mothers are the primary caregivers of their infants and are very protective of them, not allowing newborns out of their grasp. During the first weeks of life, the mother maintains contact with her infant almost constantly, but as the infant ages the amount of contact decreases. By the time the infant is four months old, the mother spends significantly less time in contact with the infant and begins to exhibit normal ovarian cycles again. By the time the infant is 10 or 11 months of age, the mother rejects him or her and may act aggressively if he/she tries to nurse.

Human-macaque conflicts tend to occur when the general public make attempts to approach baby macaques. Instinctively, mothers will display defensive behaviours to protect their babies. In response to this, alpha male macaques will display similar behaviours to protect his family.

Here are a few reminders to take note of when you see a macaque with her baby:

1) Do not stare at the mother and her baby.

2) Maintain a respectable distance of 2 metres if you want to observe or take pictures.

3) Do not use flash photography.

4) Do not use your hands or any object to point at the baby.

5) Do not make any sudden movements or raise your voice.

6) Do not walk in between a mother and her baby.

7) And of course, do not attempt to feed the macaques. You wouldn�t want to teach a new generation of baby macaques that it is okay to feed on human food!

#ACRES #SaveSGMonkeys

Source: https://www.facebook.com/ACRESasia/photos/a.223077136522.136..

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ACRES

ACRES (Animal Concerns Research & Education Society) is a pioneering Singapore-based charity and Institution of Public Character, founded by Singaporeans in 2001 with the aim of promoting animal welfare.

ACRES has six focus areas: Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation, Wildlife Crime Investigation, Zoo Animal Welfare, Humane Education, Community Outreach and Promoting Cruelty-Free Living.

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