Mammals Active during the day

Stump-tailed Macaque

Macaca arctoides

iNaturalist Wikipedia

Often called the 'Bear Macaque' for its stocky build and shaggy fur, the Stump-tailed Macaque is a fascinating, ground-dwelling primate of the Asian tropics. Distinguished by its nearly non-existent tail and striking red face, this social species offers a unique glimpse into the complex world of forest-floor dynamics.

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Quick Identification

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Size

Length: 48–65 cm (19–26 in); Weight: 9.7–18.1 kg (21–40 lbs) for males, 7.5–9.1 kg (17–20 lbs) for females.

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Colors

Dark brown to blackish fur that thickens in colder climates; skin on the face is hairless and pinkish-red, often darkening to a deep mahogany or black with age and sun exposure.

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Key Features

Extremely short, hairless tail measuring only 3 to 10 cm
Bright pink or reddish face that darkens as they mature
Stocky, powerful build resembling a small bear
Long, shaggy dark brown fur
Large, expressive eyes with prominent brow ridges

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern Active during the day

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Peak hours 7-10 AM, 3-6 PM

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Season Year-round

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Diet Primarily frugivorous, they spend much of their time searching for fallen fruits, seeds, and flowers. They supplement this with leaves, roots, freshwater crabs, and insects, occasionally raiding local crops like corn or rice.

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Habitat Subtropical and tropical evergreen forests, deciduous forests, and occasionally high-altitude cloud forests.

Behavior

The Stump-tailed Macaque is a highly social primate, typically found in troops of 20 to 50 individuals. Unlike many of its arboreal relatives, this species is primarily terrestrial, spending a significant portion of its day traveling on the forest floor. They move in a quadrupedal fashion and are known for their quiet, deliberate pace compared to the more frantic movements of Rhesus macaques. Within the troop, they maintain a strict linear hierarchy, though they are generally noted for being less aggressive and more egalitarian than other macaque species.

Their daily routine involves foraging during the morning and late afternoon, with a period of rest and social grooming during the midday heat. While they are wary of humans in areas where hunting occurs, they can become habituated to human presence near forest edges or agricultural lands. Interestingly, they possess a unique 'estrus' call and complex facial expressions to communicate social standing and intent within the group.

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Camera Tips

Because Stump-tailed Macaques are predominantly terrestrial, your camera should be mounted much lower than for other primates. Aim for a height of about 1 to 2 feet (30-60 cm) off the ground, secured to a sturdy tree trunk. Angle the lens slightly upward to capture their full profile as they walk past. Since they travel in troops, use a wide-angle lens or place the camera in a clearing to ensure you capture more than just the leader of the group.

These macaques are highly sensitive to 'white-flash' cameras, which can spook the entire troop and cause them to avoid the area for weeks. Opt for a high-quality 'No-Glow' or 'Black Infrared' trail camera to keep the device invisible to their keen eyes. Setting your camera to 'Burst Mode' is essential; since they move in a line, a single photo will likely only catch the lead individual. A 3-5 photo burst with a short trigger delay will document the social structure of the troop.

While we don't recommend feeding wild primates, if you are monitoring them on private land near forest edges, placing your camera near natural attractants like fruiting fig trees or active water holes during the dry season will yield the best results. They are most active during the cooler parts of the day, so ensure your camera is set to its highest sensitivity during the morning and late afternoon. Be sure to use a protective security box, as macaques are notoriously curious and may try to 'inspect' or pull at any interesting object they find.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Stump-tailed Macaque.

Rhesus Macaque

Has a significantly longer tail (about half its body length) and lighter, brownish-grey fur.

Assamese Macaque

Features a longer tail and lacks the bright red facial skin of the adult Stump-tailed Macaque.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Stump-tailed Macaques are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day. They exhibit two main activity peaks: one in the early morning shortly after sunrise and another in the late afternoon before they retreat to their sleeping trees at dusk.

Attracting them is only recommended if you live adjacent to their natural forest habitat in Southeast Asia. They are attracted to fruit-bearing trees like figs and bananas. However, be cautious as they can become pests in agricultural areas and may lose their fear of humans.

Their diet is diverse but focuses on fruit and seeds. They also eat leaves, roots, and flowers, and will supplement their plant-based diet with animal protein from insects, bird eggs, and small freshwater crustaceans.

No, they are generally less common in urban or suburban settings compared to the Rhesus or Long-tailed macaque. They prefer primary and secondary forests, though they will venture into farms or gardens that border these forest areas.

The most obvious difference is the tail; the Stump-tailed Macaque has a tiny, nearly invisible 'stump' tail, while the Rhesus has a medium-length tail. Additionally, Stump-tails have a much darker, shaggier coat and a bright red or pink hairless face.

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