About
The Barbary ape (Macaca sylvanus) is a macaque distributed in North Africa, including Algeria and Morocco, and in Gibraltar, inhabiting areas such as coniferous forests up to about 2,600 m elevation. There is sexual dimorphism in body size, and a notably very short tail is characteristic. It is omnivorous, feeding on leaves, fruits, flowers, and small animals, and can store food in its cheek pouches. It forms troops of around 40 individuals, and a strict female dominance hierarchy is passed down across generations. Habitat loss and poaching have reduced its population, and it is listed as Critically Endangered (IUCN category 1B).
