Updates On 24th Aug 2015

CAN MACAQUES SWIM?

Long-tailed macaques are excellent swimmers, and this may be a predator avoidance technique – if they are threatened, they can escape by simply dropping into the water and swimming to safety. Predators of long-tailed macaques include pythons, monitor lizards, raptors, large cats, and, in some areas, feral dogs.

Swimming is a common activity for long-tailed macaques. Hanging out in mangrove swamps, macaques search and dive for crabs and other crustaceans. They also swim to enable them to travel between islands. Youngsters can swim when they are just a few days old. They sometimes drown though, in areas where the water moves too fast for them to swim.

Macaques not only prefer to live near water, they will often swim in it as well, including the smaller juveniles. Despite being skilled swimmers and their desire to be near water, macaques don’t seem to like being rained on, and they will take shelter in trees to escape rain!

Sir David Attenborough describes macaques as such: �The macaque is one of the most successful and versatile of all primates. If you wanted to pick a monkey that was bright, adaptable, versatile, resilient, enterprising, tough and capable of surviving in extreme conditions and taking on all comers, the macaque would win hands down.”

#SaveSgMonkeys

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

Tweet

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.

More Articles   |   Website