Bonnet Macaque: Habitat, Conservation Status and Feeding Habits

Bonnet Macaque is a species of Old World monkey native to southern India, known for its distinctive hair whorl resembling a cap. It is a social and intelligent primate often found in urban and forested areas.

Sakshi Gupta Last updated on July 2nd, 2025 06:51 pm Leave a comment

Context: Kerala is planning to sterilise bonnet macaques to control their population and reduce crop damage, seeking central approval since the species is protected and classified as vulnerable.

About the Bonnet Macaque

Scientific Name: Macaca radiata
Endemic to: South India
Conservation Status:
- Schedule I species under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (highest protection)
- “Vulnerable” as per the IUCN Red List due to declining population
Habitat: Commonly seen in forests, human settlements, and eco-tourism areas
Behaviour: Moves in troops; often enters human areas in search of food
Conflict with Humans:
- Causes significant crop damage, especially in forest-fringe villages
- Known to raid coconut and other crops
Feeding Habits:
- Natural diet supplemented by leftover human food
- Often seen in eco-tourism areas due to improper waste disposal

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Sakshi Gupta

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Sakshi Gupta is a content writer to empower students aiming for UPSC, PSC, and other competitive exams. Her objective is to provide clear, concise, and informative content that caters to your exam preparation needs. She has over five years of work experience in Ed-tech sector. She strive to make her content not only informative but also engaging, keeping you motivated throughout your journey!