Quick answer
IUCN status: EndangeredLong-tailed macaque at a glance
The long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis) is a mammal in the family Cercopithecidae. Range in Indonesia: Widespread from Sumatra, Java and Kalimantan east to Nusa Tenggara (Timor). Diet: fruit, leaves, flowers, insects; occasionally crabs; a omnivore. IUCN Red List status: Endangered.
| Scientific name | Macaca fascicularis |
|---|---|
| Indonesian name | Monyet ekor panjang |
| Group | Mammals |
| Family | Cercopithecidae |
| Range in Indonesia | Widespread from Sumatra, Java and Kalimantan east to Nusa Tenggara (Timor) |
| Linked habitats | Tropical Rainforests, Mangroves |
| Food | Fruit, leaves, flowers, insects; occasionally crabs |
| Behaviour | Lives in groups |
| Habitat | Forest and habitat edges, including mangroves |
| IUCN status | Endangered · IUCN Red List (via GBIF) · checked 1 October 2026 |
| Diet type | Omnivore (eats plants and animals) — mainly fruit, plus crabs, insects, leaves and flowers · Animal Diversity Web |
| Reproduction | Giving birth to live young (viviparous) · Animal Diversity Web |
| Observance days | Indonesian Primate Day (30 January) |
| Active | Diurnal (active by day) · Macaca fascicularis (long-tailed macaque) – Animal Diversity Web |
In this guide (11)
Recognising the species
The long-tailed macaque has a relatively long tail, grey-brown coat and paler face. “Crab-eating macaque” refers to one food it sometimes takes, not a universal main diet. The scientific name Macaca fascicularis distinguishes it from the crested black macaque and other Indonesian monkeys.
Evidence: Animal Diversity Web — Macaca fascicularis: biology ↗ · Singapore AVS — macaque behaviour and encounters ↗
Forests, riversides and mangroves
This species is recorded in primary and secondary forest, along rivers and in mangroves. Its ability to use disturbed habitats helps explain sightings near farms and settlements. Urban encounters, however, do not show that every group or its natural habitat is secure.
Evidence: Animal Diversity Web — Macaca fascicularis: biology ↗
Food and group life
These macaques eat fruit, leaves, flowers, insects and occasionally small animals such as crabs. The mix changes with habitat and natural food availability. They live in socially complex groups, and young remain dependent on their mothers. Human feeding can change foraging behaviour and increase conflict.
Evidence: Animal Diversity Web — Macaca fascicularis: biology ↗ · Singapore AVS — macaque behaviour and encounters ↗
Encounters without creating conflict
When encountering macaques on a trail or settlement edge, give them space, secure food and waste, and do not touch or feed them. Singapore’s wildlife agency emphasizes preventing access to human food. That principle is useful, while injured animals or serious conflicts need locally appropriate professional help.
Evidence: Singapore AVS — macaque behaviour and encounters ↗
Reading records and status carefully
Many observation records are not a count of individuals or a population trend. Frequently visited sites can generate repeated photos while remote forest is under-recorded. A global conservation assessment also differs from each local group’s condition; check a source’s date, geography and method before using a number to claim the species is secure.
Evidence: GBIF — what occurrence records document ↗ · GBIF — sampling effort and occurrence counts ↗
Explore related habitats
These habitat relationships are supported by species sources in this guide. This is not a complete range map.
Scientific classification of the Long-tailed macaque
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Primates |
| Family | Cercopithecidae |
| Genus | Macaca |
| Species | Macaca fascicularis |
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology (for example class Reptilia).
Common questions about the long-tailed macaque
What is the scientific name of the long-tailed macaque?
The scientific name of the long-tailed macaque is Macaca fascicularis, in the family Cercopithecidae and the order Primates. In Indonesian it is called Monyet ekor panjang.
What kind of animal is the long-tailed macaque?
The long-tailed macaque is a mammal in the family Cercopithecidae. By diet it is a omnivore (eats plants and animals): a mainly fruit, plus crabs, insects, leaves and flowers.
Where does the long-tailed macaque live in Indonesia?
In Indonesia, this guide records the long-tailed macaque in: Widespread from Sumatra, Java and Kalimantan east to Nusa Tenggara (Timor).
Source-supported habitats: Tropical Rainforests, Mangroves.
What does the long-tailed macaque eat?
Diet of the long-tailed macaque: fruit, leaves, flowers, insects; occasionally crabs. That makes it a omnivore (eats plants and animals). Source: Animal Diversity Web.
How does the long-tailed macaque reproduce?
The long-tailed macaque reproduces by giving birth to live young (viviparous). Source: Animal Diversity Web.
Is the long-tailed macaque nocturnal?
The cited source records the long-tailed macaque as diurnal (active by day). Source: Macaca fascicularis (long-tailed macaque) – Animal Diversity Web.
See also the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia.
What is the scientific classification of the long-tailed macaque?
Scientific classification of the long-tailed macaque: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Mammalia, order Primates, family Cercopithecidae, genus Macaca, species Macaca fascicularis.
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.
Is the long-tailed macaque endangered?
Yes. On the IUCN Red List, the long-tailed macaque is listed as Endangered: it is considered to face a very high risk of extinction in the wild. Source: IUCN Red List (via GBIF), checked 1 October 2026.
This global category is separate from legal protection in Indonesia. To check whether the long-tailed macaque is a protected species, consult the current national list of protected species or contact the local BKSDA (natural resources conservation office).
Compare with similar animals
Sources & references
- Animal Diversity Web — Macaca fascicularis: biology ↗
- Singapore AVS — macaque behaviour and encounters ↗
- GBIF — what occurrence records document ↗
- GBIF — sampling effort and occurrence counts ↗
- Animal Diversity Web ↗
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF) ↗
- IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, version 2026-1, via GBIF (CC BY 4.0) ↗
References can change. Check dates and context in the original source. How we use sources and data →
National parks where it is recorded
According to the official national park profiles from the KSDAE directorate. The animal may also live elsewhere.
Related causes and news
Further reading
Macaque: facts, threats and conservation ↗ — World Animal Rescue Network. A broader overview that covers this animal.
Related site: PanduanHewan’s founder is also a director of World Animal Rescue Network.
Cite this page
Credit PanduanHewan when referring to this page. Check the original evidence sources before reusing a claim.
PanduanHewan. Long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis). Last substantive update: 7 October 2026. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/macaca-fascicularis/