A macaque is a type of monkey found across Asia and North Africa. These intelligent, social animals live in troops (groups) of up to several hundred members, with complex hierarchies and relationships. Macaques have distinctive features: relatively short tails, expressive faces, and cheek pouches where they can store food while foraging.

Different species of macaques have adapted to remarkably diverse environments. Japanese macaques, sometimes called snow monkeys, famously warm themselves in hot springs during harsh winters. Barbary macaques live in the mountains of Morocco and Gibraltar. Rhesus macaques live in cities across South and Southeast Asia, sometimes raiding markets and homes for food with impressive cleverness.

Scientists study macaques extensively because their social behavior and biology resemble humans in certain ways. Much of what we know about how the brain processes visual information comes from research with macaques. These monkeys can learn to use simple tools and remember complex social relationships within their troops.