Monkey Species · Morocco, Algeria & Gibraltar
Barbary Macaque
The Barbary macaque (Macaca sylvanus) is the only monkey in Europe — famous from the Rock of Gibraltar — and the only macaque in Africa.
By the WARN Research & Conservation TeamChecked against IUCN Red List & CITES sourcesLast updated
In brief
The Barbary macaque (Macaca sylvanus) is the only monkey in Europe — famous from the Rock of Gibraltar — and the only macaque in Africa. Tailless in appearance and cold-hardy, it is listed Endangered by the IUCN.
Barbary Macaque: At a Glance
| Origin | Morocco, Algeria & Gibraltar |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium (10–16 kg) |
| Typical weight | 10–16 kg; only a vestigial tail |
| Lifespan | 20–25 years (wild) |
| Coat & markings | Thick yellowish-brown to grey coat; pink face; effectively tailless |
| Temperament | Social, hardy, cold-tolerant |
| Conservation note | Endangered (IUCN); CITES Appendix I — threatened by habitat loss and illegal capture of infants for the pet and tourist-photo trades |
History & Origins
Barbary macaques live in the cedar and oak forests of Morocco and Algeria, with a small, much-photographed population on Gibraltar. They are unusual macaques: effectively tailless and able to survive snowy winters. Wild numbers have fallen sharply from habitat loss and the illegal capture of infants for the pet and photo-prop trades, making the species Endangered.
Barbary Macaque Fun Facts
- The Barbary macaque is the only wild monkey in Europe.
- It is the only macaque living outside Asia.
- It is effectively tailless, unlike other macaques.
- Gibraltar's troop is the best-known population in Europe.
Barbary Macaque Common Health Issues
Conditions seen more often in this breed, and how owners and vets help manage them. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice — always speak to your vet.
Pet trade capture trauma
Capturing infants for trade often means killing protective adults, and survivors show fear, self-injury and abnormal behaviour for life.
Care: Refuse the pet and selfie trade entirely and support seizures, sanctuaries and enforcement.
Habitat loss (wild)
Deforestation for agriculture, logging and development removes the food trees and connected canopy that wild monkeys depend on.
Care: Support habitat protection and deforestation-free supply chains in range countries rather than wildlife tourism that disturbs troops.
Human food dependency
Troops fed by tourists or raiding bins become aggressive, unhealthy and prone to disease and conflict.
Care: Never feed wild monkeys; support secure-waste and education programmes that reduce dependency.
Monkeys belong in the wild
Monkeys are intelligent, social primates — not pets. The illegal pet trade and habitat loss threaten species from marmosets to macaques. WARN funds anti-trafficking and habitat work for primates in our partner countries.
