Japan Favorites: Week 3

This week's theme: Macaque Monkey

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The most iconic of the Japanese Macaques - the Japanese 'Snow Monkeys' live in the northern prefectures of Japan (Hokkaido being the northern most) where snow is extreme in the winter months.

These monkey clans have alpha females as the leaders and one winter, a curious alpha female dropped food in a hot spring and decided to go in and get it. She was impressed by the warmth, and soon she showed the rest of the clan how to achieve extra warmth, during the harsh snowy winter. Now northern Macaques spend time in hot springs all the time, some even dive under water to retrieve food!

These northern-living Macaques have developed a triple layer coat to withstand the harsh winters. They look like a ball of fuzz !! (^_^)

There are many species of Macaque monkeys, here is an example of the forest and mountain dwelling Macaques. You've seen the northern monkeys, now we have the Macaques who take up residence in the majority of Japan.

The average Macaque that is seen most often throughout Japan is built smaller and has less fur density than the "Snow Monkeys" of the north. Macaques are not that skiddish of people, and are happy living side by side with a human - without destruction or disturb of either territory (monkey and human). The characteristics of the Macaque is very intriguing. They are docile and friendly to humans, but certainly keep to themselves and go on with their natural lives like their ancestors - as if people don't exist.

Here is another species of Macque monkey - the Black Crested Macaque. These resemble the body and size of the Savannah Baboon. Black Crested monkeys live strickly in the dense rain forests and valleys of Japan. When approached, they may flash you a nice smile of large white teeth! However, this is a greeting ... not a threat (^_^)

Another species is the Lion Tailed Macaque. These also live on the forest floors and low trees in the mountain regions. Certainly a larger species of Macaque, they are rather shy of humans and can be considered lucky to see one in person.

Here is the Barbary Macaque, who like to live by the sea most of their life.

And here is the Monkey Fish !! Just kidding. The Macaques who like life by the sea, can be observed as they dive into the ocean for crabs and small fish! Barbary Macaques are also known as the "Crab Eating Monkey" because of this behavior.

This one is magnificent and she knows it (^_^) ~ Snow Monkey

I hope you have enjoyed these curious critters of Japan's forests, mountains, and beaches. They truly are a iconic creature!