The history and current status of the Barbary macaque

STATUS - ENDANGERED! The Barbary macaque (Macaca sylvanus) is a unique species. It is the only primate found north of the Sahara desert, the only primate that can be found in Europe (Gibraltar) and the only species of the Genus "Macaca” that can be found outside of Asia. The Barbary macaque is an extremely adaptable animal that can live in very cold and very warm weather conditions.    The last populations are threatened by habitat destruction and in Morocco by the illegal trade in infant macaques from Morocco to Europe. The Barbary macaque (Macaca sylvanus) used to be widespread throughout North Africa. Now the wild populations are restricted to small patches of forest in both Morocco (Rif, Middle Atlas, High Atlas), Algeria (Tellian Atlas) and Gibraltar (introduced semi-wild population). The largest population of the Barbary macaque can be found in the unique and beautiful cedar forest area of Parc National d'Ifrane in Morocco, but this population, like the other population, is declining rapidly. The population in the central Middle Atlas region is the most important population, as it exists there in prime habitat and is still the largest population on this planet. Reality however show an extreme decline in density (and numbers) since 1968.

E van Lavieren   R Troostwijk

E van Lavieren

In the 70's the density was 40 -70 ind per km2, today the density in some areas is a mere 7 Ind per km2. The total population of wild Barbary macaques in Morocco in 1975 was 17000. Today it is estimated to be only 5000 - 6000 according to the latest field work by Camperio Ciani, N Ménard and Els van Lavieren (Resp. 2008, 2009 and 2005).   Until recently (2005) it was wrongly believed by the Moroccan forestry department (HCEFLCD) that the Barbary macaque was common and even increasing in numbers in the cedar forests of Parc National d'Ifrane. These false and incorrect reports originated from the people involved in the logging industry, local tribes who survive on the natural resources from the forest and the local forest management authorities. These reports contradicted the outcome of the ongoing studies that have been conducted over the last decade by scientists on the status of the species. Fortunately HCEFLCD now fully support the data published by the scientists and a cooperation has been established with international and national ngo's to tackle the decline in the species.

What does this mean?

To make a comparison:

The wild population of the Barbary macaque will decline further if no action is taken and will disappear in many regions in 10 to 15 years. This should not be necessary. Macaques in general are strong species. Barbary macaques normally produce an offspring each 1,5 years in a healthy population. Barbary macaques live in regions where the temperature ranges from 40 degrees Celsius in the summer to minus 10 degrees Celsius in the winter. In a healthy forest, with sufficient water and food, and no poaching, the populations could be thriving.

Unfortunately, due to the disruption of the population composition (taking away 100- 300 infants every year) and due to lack of food and water, the biological parameters of the population have altered. In the Middle Atlas mountains, females now have infants every 3 years, and they are fertile at an older age and in a shorter time frame, resulting in a much slower reproduction rate (Camperio Ciani).