Bonnet Macaques: Habitat, Features, Behaviour, and Conservation Status

Discover the Bonnet Macaque (Macaca radiata), a primate species endemic to southern India. Learn about its habitat, physical features, diet, social behaviour, reproduction, and IUCN conservation status, along with recent threats and human–wildlife conflict.

Table of Contents

The Bonnet Macaque (Macaca radiata) is one of the most iconic primates of southern India. Known for its unique “bonnet-shaped” hair whorl on the head, this monkey has adapted remarkably well to live close to humans, often becoming a familiar sight in villages, towns, and even cities. Recently, the deaths of bonnet macaques in Kerala have brought them into the spotlight, highlighting the growing challenges of human–wildlife conflict, disease, and habitat loss.

In this article, we explore in detail the habitat, features, diet, social structure, reproduction, and IUCN status of bonnet macaques, along with their significance in biodiversity and conservation.

What is a Bonnet Macaque?

The Bonnet Macaque is a primate species endemic to southern India.
They are medium-sized monkeys with a pinkish face and greyish-brown fur.
Their name comes from the distinctive cap-like hair whorl on their heads, which looks like a bonnet.

Habitat and Distribution

Bonnet macaques are among the most adaptable monkey species in India.

Geographical Range: They are found across the Western Ghats, southern Indian plains, and Deccan plateau.
Preferred Habitat:
- Evergreen forests
- Dry deciduous forests
- Plantations and agricultural fields
- Village outskirts and urban fringes
Adaptability: They are both arboreal (tree-living) and terrestrial (ground-living). Their ability to forage in human settlements has made them synanthropic species (living close to humans).

Physical Features of Bonnet Macaques

Size:
- Males: ~6.7 kg
- Females: ~3.9 kg
Length: 35–60 cm (excluding tail).
Color: Greyish-brown to golden-brown fur, with a pink, hairless face.
Sexual Dimorphism: Males are larger and stronger than females.
Lifespan:
- In the wild: 20–25 years
- In captivity: Up to 35 years

Social Behaviour and Group Structure

Bonnet macaques are highly social primates, living in multi-male, multi-female troops of about 30 individuals.

Hierarchy: They maintain a linear dominance hierarchy, where alpha males dominate feeding and mating rights.
Female Philopatry: Females remain in their natal groups, while males migrate at maturity.
Bonding: Grooming is a central social activity that strengthens bonds.
Tolerance: Dominant males show a unique tolerance towards juveniles, a feature less observed in other macaque species.

Reproduction and Life Cycle

Breeding Season: Usually in September–October.
Gestation: ~24 weeks.
Offspring: Females give birth to a single infant.
Reproductive Life: A female typically produces around five offspring before menopause (~27 years of age).

Food Habits of Bonnet Macaques

Bonnet macaques are omnivorous and opportunistic feeders.

Natural Diet: Fruits, seeds, leaves, flowers, and insects.
Urban Diet: Crops, kitchen waste, packaged food, and food stolen from homes and markets.
Human Interaction: They often raid fields and urban households, creating conflict with farmers and city residents.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List: Least Concern (LC)
Why Still at Risk?
- Habitat destruction due to urbanization and deforestation.
- Road accidents and electrocution in urban areas.
- Increasing human–wildlife conflict due to crop raiding and food snatching.
- Disease risks due to close contact with humans.

Ecological and Cultural Significance

They play a vital role in seed dispersal, maintaining forest ecosystems.
Their adaptability near humans provides important insights into urban ecology.
In Indian culture, macaques are often associated with religious and mythological symbolism, linked to Lord Hanuman.

Recent Concern: Bonnet Macaque Deaths in Kerala

In September 2025, nine bonnet macaques were found dead in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. While the cause is under investigation, experts fear poisoning or disease outbreak. Such incidents highlight the urgent need for: