Evolution and Ecology of Macaque Societies

This 1996 book is a synthesis of the ecology, evolution, behaviour and conservation of extant macaque species.

Macaques are a diverse group of primates, whose evolution has occurred over a similar timespan to that of humans. This 1996 book is a synthesis of findings about many aspects of macaque ecology, evolution and behaviour, and will provide an indispensable reference volume for all those interested in this fascinating group.The genus Macaca is the most widely distributed of non-human primates and is found in 20 countries in South-East Asia and North Africa. Over the comparatively short time span of 5 million years, macaques have evolved diverse forms, from long-tailed arboreal types to robust terrestrial animals, and inhabit a variety of habitats. Although macaques are probably one of the most studied monkeys both in the wild and in captivity, data from long-term studies and pioneering work on little-known species are only just emerging. In this 1996 book, world authorities on macaques interpret research and present syntheses of many aspects of macaque ecology, evolution, behaviour and conservation. This book will prove to be the definitive synthesis of the subject for all those interested in this fascinating group of monkeys for many years to come.