The Japanese macaque (Macaca fuscata), also known as the snow monkey, is a terrestrial Old World monkey species native to Japan. They are notable for inhabiting regions where snow covers the ground for several months each year, making them the most northern-living non-human primates. These macaques have brownish-grey fur, pinkish-red faces, and short tails. Adult males typically weigh around 11.3 kg and measure approximately 57 cm in body length, while females average 8.4 kg and 52.3 cm. en.wikipedia.org
Japanese macaques are highly adaptable and inhabit various environments, from subtropical lowlands to subalpine regions. They are omnivorous, with a diet comprising fruits, seeds, leaves, insects, and even soil. These primates are also known for their complex social structures, living in matriarchal societies where females inherit their mother's social rankings. lpzoo.org
A unique behavior observed in some troops is the use of natural hot springs to stay warm during the cold winter months. This cultural practice is not universal among all Japanese macaque populations but has been well-documented in certain groups. lpzoo.org
In Japan, there have been instances of hybridization between Japanese macaques and introduced species, such as the Formosan rock macaque (Macaca cyclopis). These interactions have raised concerns about genetic integrity and ecological impacts. nies.go.jp
日本獼猴 (Macaca fuscata)
日本獼猴，亦稱為雪猴，是日本特有的地棲性舊世界猴類。 牠們以棲息於每年有數月積雪的地區而聞名，是分佈最北的非人靈長類。 這些獼猴擁有棕灰色的毛皮、粉紅至紅色的臉部，以及短尾巴。 成年雄性平均體重約11.3公斤，身長約57公分；雌性平均體重8.4公斤，身長約52.3公分。en.wikipedia.org
日本獼猴適應力強，棲息於從亞熱帶低地到亞高山地區的各種環境。 牠們是雜食性動物，食物包括水果、種子、葉子、昆蟲，甚至土壤。 這些靈長類以其複雜的社會結構著稱，生活在母系社會中，雌性繼承母親的社會地位。lpzoo.org
某些群體中觀察到一種獨特的行為，即在寒冷的冬季使用天然溫泉保持溫暖。 這種文化行為並非所有日本獼猴群體皆有，但在特定群體中已有詳細記錄。lpzoo.org
在日本，曾出現日本獼猴與引入物種如台灣獼猴（Macaca cyclopis）雜交的情況。 這些互動引發了對基因純度和生態影響的關注。nies.go.jp
