Monkey Mountain

I'm not going to hide it, I went to Monkey Mountain with some trepidation.

I wanted to discover the place because it's well known in Alsace, but I went with preconceived ideas. The inhabitants of this mountain like no other are the Barbary macaques, scientifically named Macaca sylvanus and affectionately known as "Magots". The opportunity to observe these creatures at such close quarters promised a unique immersion in their world.

On arrival, the natural setting immediately brought to mind the original habitat of these residents: large wooded areas, forest and rocky outcrops. Knowing that these premises are designed to approximate the mountainous regions up to 2200m altitude of Morocco and Algeria, their geographical range, added a dimension of authenticity to the experience.

The Barbary Macaque is classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This classification underlines the precariousness of their wild populations, estimated at less than 8,000 individuals. In this alarming context, wildlife parks play a crucial role in raising awareness and preserving this emblematic species. Behind the fascination of the encounter lies a major conservation issue.

Let's get started!

A lively social life

The walk through the enclosure was a gradual immersion into the life of a group of magots. Their daytime activity was palpable: some moved with agility, others interacted in small groups, and a few seemed to be enjoying a well-earned siesta.

The social interactions within the group were fascinating to observe. I witnessed delousing sessions, a behavior which, as the informative signs indicate, is a sign of affection between them. Contrary to what one might think, it's not a matter of getting rid of fleas or lice, but rather of occasionally removing dandruff, thus reinforcing the social bonds within the group.

The complexity of their social structure soon became apparent.

There is a clear hierarchy within the group, with each member occupying a well-defined position. I was able to distinguish more dominant individuals, whose posture and interactions with other group members testified to a superior rank. The park explains that adult and sub-adult males rank higher than females. A first indication of this sophisticated social organization.

Naps and games: a glimpse into daily life

As well as active social interaction, I also observed moments of quietude. The monkeys sometimes huddled together to rest. This behavior makes perfect sense when you consider that they stay outside in both summer and winter.

The youngest members of the group were a constant source of entertainment. Their play and exploration of the environment offered a glimpse of their development and natural curiosity. I could easily imagine babies being born high up (yes, babies are born in trees). If I've been fairly assiduous, it's a guarantee of safety from potential predators (in the wild, at least).

Feasting time: feeding with commentary

As feeding time approached, the group became a little restless. The monkeys seemed to anticipate the arrival of the caretakers, gradually gathering in the usual food distribution areas. Barbary macaques have a varied diet, consisting mainly of plants, but also insects, spiders and even... scorpions! (well, this is North Africa, but hats off to them).

In the park, their diet is carefully balanced to meet their nutritional needs. The quantities are impressive. We're talking about 180 kilos of fruit and vegetables, and 50 kilos of cereals distributed daily. All this is supplemented by plants and invertebrates found in the park (grasses, leaves, insects, spiders, etc.).

The commented feeding was particularly instructive. The caretakers shared invaluable information on the monkeys' eating habits, the specifics of the captive diet, and sometimes even anecdotes about certain individuals. I was able to observe how the group's hierarchy manifested itself during food distribution. Higher-ranking individuals had privileged access to the best portions, while others waited their turn or scavenged leftovers.

Social complexity and reproduction

Beyond the interactions linked to feeding, I have deepened my understanding of the magots' complex hierarchical structure. In males, leadership is not simply a matter of age or brute strength. It's a process in which personality plays a crucial role, enabling a male between the ages of 10 and 15, when they are in their prime, to gain the best support within the group.

To climb the hierarchy, males need to be strategic and create alliances. They build a network of high-ranking males who support them against their competitors. In this way, a leader can hold on to his position for several years.

For females, on the other hand, the acquisition of hierarchical rank follows a different rule: it is passed down from generation to generation. A daughter, with the regular support of her mother during conflicts with other individuals, gradually imposes herself on lower-ranking monkeys. And sooner or later, she will take over her mother's hierarchical position.

How interesting!

Reproduction in magots is strictly seasonal. The rut takes place from mid-October to the end of January. During this period, females in heat mate with several males, making it impossible to identify the father. 5.5 months later (gestation period), it's “spring/early summer”, the time of the births.

It's fascinating to learn that magots have developed mechanisms to avoid inbreeding. Closely related males and females, for example, will not mate with each other, and some males leave their natal group to join a neighboring group where all the females are potential mates because they are unrelated. There are 4 in the park.

Males and babies: a surprising relationship

One of the most surprising observations concerns the interaction of males with babies. Although paternities are unknown, males show an interest in and protective behavior towards youngsters from their earliest days. They spoil and protect them.

But the main reason for this special attention is even more clever: males use babies to make friendly contact with each other (clever!). A male may borrow a baby from his mother and take it to another male for a little bonding. The two males then sit down together and establish friendly contact through the baby.

Caring for babies together allows them to make... new friends.

Conservation: a crucial issue

A return to the reality of the “endangered” status of wild magots lends particular importance to the existence of parks like the one I visited. With a wild population estimated at less than 8,000 individuals, every conservation initiative is essential.

To put it bluntly, the causes of the decline in wild populations are multiple and alarming... and once again linked to man: the loss and degradation of natural habitat due to excessive logging and overgrazing are major threats to the magot. Worse still, there is an illegal trade in babies, with many youngsters snatched from their mothers in Morocco every year to be sold as pets...

Against this sombre backdrop, wildlife parks play a crucial role in safeguarding the species. The monkeys in these parks constitute a precious genetic reserve which helps to reinforce wild populations. Concrete efforts are being made, as witnessed by the nearly 600 monkeys successfully reintroduced into their natural environment in Morocco in 1980 and 1986.

Governments and institutions also have an essential role to play, having put in place actions such as protecting natural habitats, creating reserves and national parks or having implemented national Barbary macaque conservation plans in Morocco in 2011 and Algeria in 2018.

Clearly, the presence of the Barbary macaque is much more than just an element of North African fauna. It is an indicator of the richness of biodiversity in its habitat. The conservation of the Barbary macaque is therefore an issue that goes beyond the simple protection of a species; it's a question of preserving an entire ecosystem.

In conclusion

My visit to Monkey Mountain was much more than just a stroll.

It was a real immersion in the fascinating life of the Barbary macaques, an “unusual” encounter with a species with a complex social structure and remarkable adaptations. I was able to observe at close quarters their interactions, their feeding behaviors, and the bonds that unite group members.

The experience also highlighted the crucial importance of conservation for this endangered species. The efforts of wildlife parks, combined with those of governments and associations, are essential to ensure the survival of wild populations of magots.

As I leave this place, beyond the images, I am more than ever aware of the need to protect these primates and their habitat. Monkey Mountain is not only a place of observation, but also a place of learning and a call to action to save a unique and precious species.