rhesus monkey
(Macaca mulatta)
This species is Introduced in the United States
Origin
Macaca mulatta is native to Afghanistan, Nepal, Thailand, Pakistan, India, Southeast Asia, and China. Rhesus monkeys were intentionally released in Florida on an island to increase tourism.
Life Cycle
M. mulatta were brown or gray in color with pink, hairless faces. Rhesus monkey range in weight from 12-17 lbs (5-8 kg) with an average height of 1.5-1.7 ft (0.5-0.52 m). The average lifespan of macaques is about 30-36 years in the wild and 27-40 years in captivity. Females reach sexual maturity at about 4 years of age and produce an average of 1 offspring per year.
Distribution
M. mulatta has been removed from the Florida Keys. The core populations occur in Central Florida with additional sightings in the Panhandle.
Control Efforts
M. mulatta is not protected in Florida and homeowners do not need a permit to remove individuals. However, homeowners should exercise caution when dealing with any primate. A license is required to possess this species for public exhibition, commercial sales, or personal use. Applicants must possess substantial experience and meet specific facility and caging requirements as outlined in Chapter 68A-6, Florida Administrative Code. The State of Florida regulates captive held rhesus macaques as Class II wildlife. It is prohibited to feed wild monkeys in Florida to help prevent injuries and the spread of diseases to people.
https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/nonnatives/mammals/monkeys/rhesus-macaque/
Macaca mulatta is native to Afghanistan, Nepal, Thailand, Pakistan, India, Southeast Asia, and China. Rhesus monkeys were intentionally released in Florida on an island to increase tourism.
Life Cycle
M. mulatta were brown or gray in color with pink, hairless faces. Rhesus monkey range in weight from 12-17 lbs (5-8 kg) with an average height of 1.5-1.7 ft (0.5-0.52 m). The average lifespan of macaques is about 30-36 years in the wild and 27-40 years in captivity. Females reach sexual maturity at about 4 years of age and produce an average of 1 offspring per year.
Distribution
M. mulatta has been removed from the Florida Keys. The core populations occur in Central Florida with additional sightings in the Panhandle.
Control Efforts
M. mulatta is not protected in Florida and homeowners do not need a permit to remove individuals. However, homeowners should exercise caution when dealing with any primate. A license is required to possess this species for public exhibition, commercial sales, or personal use. Applicants must possess substantial experience and meet specific facility and caging requirements as outlined in Chapter 68A-6, Florida Administrative Code. The State of Florida regulates captive held rhesus macaques as Class II wildlife. It is prohibited to feed wild monkeys in Florida to help prevent injuries and the spread of diseases to people.
https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/nonnatives/mammals/monkeys/rhesus-macaque/
Resources
- Florida's Exotic Wildlife Species Detail - Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
- Global Invasive Species Database - Invasive Species Specialist Group
- Animal Diversity Web - University of Michigan Museum of Zoology
- Wikipedia - Wikimedia Foundation, Inc
Selected Images
Maps
EDDMapS Distribution - This map is incomplete and is based only on current site and county level reports made by experts, herbaria, and literature. For more information, visit www.eddmaps.org
State Lists - This map identifies those states that have this species on their invasive species list or law.
Taxonomic Rank
| Domain: Eukarya |
| Kingdom: Animalia |
| Phylum: Chordata |
| Class: Mammalia |
| Subclass: Theria |
| Order: Primates |
| Infraorder: Simiiformes |
| Family: Cercopithecidae |
| Subfamily: Cercopithecinae |
| Genus: Macaca |
| Macaca mulatta |
References
Common Name Reference: Integrated Taxonomic Information System on-line database.
Scientific Name Reference: Integrated Taxonomic Information System on-line database.