EPOW - Ecology Picture of the Week

Explanation:  Did you read the warning?  If not, this forest guard will enforce the rules!  This is a Rhesus Macaque, a very common monkey of south Asia.   

This macaque was part of a troop inhabiting one of the remote camps in the heart of Corbett National Park in northern India.  Yes, indeed, as the sign says, the river beyond was inhabited by not one, but two species of crocodiles: muggers and gharials (which will be the subject of a future EPOW). 

Rhesus Macaques generally live in forests.  They often become commensals with humans, meaning that they live in villages near human habitations and become accustomed to the presence and odd ways of people.  Some troops live in temples, railway stations, and old city ruins ... and sometimes get completely out of hand.  They are good swimmers -- but one has to wonder how many have become crocodile lunchmeat in this park.  

Rhesus Macaques are found in northern and northeast India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and northern Pakistan.  The species is used widely in medical and genetic research.