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IUCN status: EndangeredMoor Macaque at a glance
The Moor Macaque (Macaca maura) is a mammal in the family Cercopithecidae. In Indonesia, observation records come mainly from South Sulawesi. It is endemic to Indonesia, living naturally only in South-western peninsula of Sulawesi (South Sulawesi), from Bontobahari to the Tempe Depression. Diet: mainly fruit (figs), plus insects and leaves; a omnivore. IUCN Red List status: Endangered. It is a legally protected species in Indonesia (Regulation P.106/2018).
| Scientific name | Macaca maura |
|---|---|
| Indonesian name | Monyet dare |
| Group | Mammals |
| Family | Cercopithecidae |
| Observation records | South Sulawesi |
| Linked habitats | Tropical Rainforests |
| Taxonomic group | Primates |
| GBIF records | 121 human-observation records, 2016–2026 |
| Data retrieved | 2026-09-23 |
| IUCN status | Endangered · IUCN Red List (via GBIF) · checked 1 October 2026 |
| Legal protection in Indonesia | Protected · Regulation P.106/2018 · annex no. 13 |
| Body weight | 5–6 kg · Balai Besar KSDA Sulawesi Selatan — Identifikasi Spesies Kunci Sulawesi (Monyet Dare) |
| Group size | 9–53 individuals · Balai Besar KSDA Sulawesi Selatan — Identifikasi Spesies Kunci Sulawesi (Monyet Dare) |
| Range | Endemic to South Sulawesi, from Bontobahari in the south-west of the peninsula north to Lake Tempe · Balai Besar KSDA Sulawesi Selatan — Identifikasi Spesies Kunci Sulawesi (Monyet Dare) |
| Diet type | Omnivore (eats plants and animals) — mainly fruit (figs), plus insects and leaves · Handbook of the Mammals of the World (via Zenodo) |
| Reproduction | Giving birth to live young (viviparous) · Animal Diversity Web |
| Observance days | Indonesian Primate Day (30 January) |
| Active | Diurnal (active by day) · EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), MamFuncDat.txt |
| Endemic to Indonesia | Yes — South-western peninsula of Sulawesi (South Sulawesi), from Bontobahari to the Tempe Depression · Handbook of the Mammals of the World (via Zenodo) |
In this guide (13)
What is the Moor Macaque?
Moor Macaque refers to Macaca maura, in the genus Macaca, family Cercopithecidae, and order Primates. The scientific name follows the accepted taxon in the GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Common names can vary between places; the scientific name distinguishes this species from relatives.
What is known about the Moor Macaque?
The moor macaque has dark brown-to-black fur and a paler rump patch; it differs from the crested macaque of northern Sulawesi.
Read that fact alongside the scientific name and species source, not as proof from an unclear photograph. Populations, ages and taxonomic limits can differ; when identification is uncertain, record the broader group.
Evidence: Species account — background reading ↗
Habitat and field observations of the Moor Macaque
Moor macaques use moist forest and forest-open-land mosaics, including karst. Fruit from several forest trees is prominent in the diet alongside insects and leaves.
Evidence: GBIF species treatments — natural-history accounts ↗
How many Indonesian records name the Moor Macaque?
When checked on 2026-09-23, the GBIF search returned 121 human-observation records from Indonesia under this species name for 2016–2026. That is a count of indexed records, not an estimate of population, abundance or unique individuals. Observation effort can vary by location, and the count may change as records are added or identifications revised.
Evidence: GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
Where were observations reported?
Place labels appearing in the results include South Sulawesi. They are labels attached to records, not a complete range map or evidence that the species occurs only there. Some labels may be broad or inconsistent. Check the underlying records before using the location information for field decisions.
Evidence: GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
How can you observe the Moor Macaque?
Watch from a distance, do not feed, and avoid sharing precise locations of vulnerable dens or resting sites. Do not try to catch or touch wild mammals. A well-documented sighting helps others check the identification without turning one encounter into a conservation-status claim.
Explore related animals
To explore this group further, compare Moor Macaque with Southern Pig-tailed Macaque, Javan Surili, Javan Lutung. These links reflect a shared genus, family, order, class or catalogue group; taxonomic proximity does not imply identical habitat needs or conservation status.
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 Moor Macaque
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Primates |
| Family | Cercopithecidae |
| Genus | Macaca |
| Species | Macaca maura |
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology (for example class Reptilia).
Common questions about the Moor Macaque
What is the scientific name of the Moor Macaque?
The scientific name of the Moor Macaque is Macaca maura, in the family Cercopithecidae and the order Primates. In Indonesian it is called Monyet dare.
What kind of animal is the Moor Macaque?
The Moor Macaque is a mammal in the family Cercopithecidae. By diet it is a omnivore (eats plants and animals): a mainly fruit (figs), plus insects and leaves. It is also endemic to Indonesia.
Where does the Moor Macaque live in Indonesia?
Observation records of the Moor Macaque summarised in this guide mainly come from South Sulawesi. That list is not a complete range map.
The Moor Macaque is endemic to Indonesia and lives naturally only in South-western peninsula of Sulawesi (South Sulawesi), from Bontobahari to the Tempe Depression. Source: Handbook of the Mammals of the World (via Zenodo).
Source-supported habitats: Tropical Rainforests.
What does the Moor Macaque eat?
The Moor Macaque is a mainly fruit (figs), plus insects and leaves. That makes it a omnivore (eats plants and animals). Source: Handbook of the Mammals of the World (via Zenodo).
How does the Moor Macaque reproduce?
The Moor Macaque reproduces by giving birth to live young (viviparous). Source: Animal Diversity Web.
Is the Moor Macaque nocturnal?
The cited source records the Moor Macaque as diurnal (active by day). Source: EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), MamFuncDat.txt.
See also the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia.
What are the main features of the Moor Macaque?
Key features of the Moor Macaque, from this guide’s sources: Body weight: 5–6 kg.
How big is the Moor Macaque?
Body weight: 5–6 kg. Source: Balai Besar KSDA Sulawesi Selatan — Identifikasi Spesies Kunci Sulawesi (Monyet Dare).
What is the scientific classification of the Moor Macaque?
Scientific classification of the Moor Macaque: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Mammalia, order Primates, family Cercopithecidae, genus Macaca, species Macaca maura.
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.
Is the Moor Macaque endangered?
Yes. On the IUCN Red List, the Moor 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 national legal protection. Is the Moor Macaque protected in Indonesia?
Is the Moor Macaque protected in Indonesia?
Yes. The Moor Macaque (Macaca maura) is a protected species in Indonesia under Environment and Forestry Ministerial Regulation No. P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 on protected plant and animal species (annex, entry 13).
Article 21(2) of Law No. 5 of 1990, as amended by Law No. 32 of 2024, prohibits anyone from hunting, catching, injuring, killing, storing, owning, keeping, transporting or trading a protected animal, alive or dead, including its body parts, eggs and nests.
If you see this animal being traded, kept or injured, contact the local BKSDA office.
Can the Moor Macaque be kept as a pet?
No. Because the Moor Macaque is a protected species, catching, owning, keeping, transporting or trading it without a permit is prohibited by law. Trading without a permit through electronic media is also prohibited.
If you see this animal for sale or being kept, report it to the local BKSDA office.
Sources & references
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon ↗
- GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
- GBIF species treatments — natural-history accounts ↗
- iNaturalist — exact species taxon and community observations ↗
- Species account — background reading ↗
- Peraturan Menteri LHK Nomor P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 tentang Jenis Tumbuhan dan Satwa yang Dilindungi ↗
- Balai Besar KSDA Sulawesi Selatan — Identifikasi Spesies Kunci Sulawesi (Monyet Dare) ↗
- Handbook of the Mammals of the World (via Zenodo) ↗
- Animal Diversity Web ↗
- EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), MamFuncDat.txt ↗
- 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. Moor Macaque (Macaca maura). Last substantive update: 1 October 2026. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/macaca-maura/