Japanese Macaque

snow monkey · Japan · cold climate · primates

Lives in the snow. Japanese macaques are the only non-human primates that live farther north and in colder places than any others. Some troops live where snow blankets the ground for months at a time, making them the hardiest monkey in the world.

Built for cold. These monkeys have thick, brownish-grey fur that keeps them warm in icy winters. Their pinkish-red faces and short tails help them survive in mountain forests where temperatures drop well below freezing.

Old World relatives. Japanese macaques are Old World monkeys, which means they are relatives of monkeys found in Africa and Asia, not the monkeys of the Americas. They belong to a special group of primates adapted to different climates and habitats.

Mountain forest home. These monkeys live in the forests and mountains of Japan, where they have adapted to one of the harshest environments any monkey calls home. Their ability to survive in cold places makes them unique among all primates.

Two different types. Scientists have identified two subspecies of Japanese macaques, meaning there are two slightly different groups of these monkeys living in different regions of Japan.