Monkey Business

India’s bonnet macaque troops usually lead a relatively peaceful, harmonious existence. But these monkeys are adapting their behaviour – and it’s us driving the change.

- Janaki Lenin

He bares his teeth and reveals inch-long pointed canines. Raised eyebrows and widened eyes make the big guy’s displeasure obvious. Despite the distance between them, the two-year-old juvenile backs off and hides behind a bush. He’s done nothing to upset the boss, but he’s taking no chances.

However, the upstart isn’t getting away this time. In the next instant, the 10kg adult male macaque bounds towards his potential rival, who runs screaming. Meanwhile, the harem of four females and their offspring watch the fracas from a distance. Only when the youngster is out of sight does the chase end. The adult has served notice – this juvenile’s days with the group are numbered.

Bonnet macaques, like many wild primates, are fascinating to watch, as their riveting family dramas play out like a trashy soap opera. In this instance, the adolescent macaque is the only other male, so becomes the focus of the leader’s hostility. Alpha males of all-female groups become edgier during the mating season, which reaches a peak in October. Even a son could be a rival. However, if the young male leaves the security of the group to avoid the intimidation, he might not survive.

Found only in peninsular India, the macaques get their name from their distinct hairstyle, with long, olive-brown hair spreading out from the top of the head in the form of a cap. These monkeys tend to be calmer and have longer tails than their relatives in northern India, the rhesus macaques.

Wildlife photographers Anup Shah and Fiona Rogers spent many days taking these pictures of bonnet macaques in the Indian state of Karnataka, capturing intimate images of encounters like the bust-up just described. The species thrives in urban areas, often around temples, so getting close to the action is no problem.

Going against the grain