Gibraltar Barbary Macaques

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The Barbary Macaque is considered Gibraltar's unofficial national animal.

Origin

Some scientists believe the Barbary Macaques were first introduced to Gibraltar from North Africa by the Moors (who occupied southern Iberia, including Spain and Portugal, between 711 and 1492), to be used as pets. On the other hand, it's possible that the original Gibraltar macaques were a remnant of populations that had spread throughout Southern Europe during the Pliocene, up to 5.5 million years ago. [http://www.gibraltarnewsonline.com/2005/04/26/dna-solves-mystery-of-gibraltars-macaques/ DNA solves mystery of Gibraltar’s macaques] ]

One thing that is certain is that the macaque population has been present on The Rock long before Gibraltar became British in 1704. In 1610 Portillo wrote:

"But now let us speak of other and living producers which in spite of the asperity of the rock still maintain themselves in the mountain, there are monkeys, who may be called the true owners, with possession from time immemorial, always tenacious of the dominion, living for the most part on the eastern side in high and inaccessible chasms."

In 1782 Ayala, a Spanish historian like Portillo, wrote of the monkeys:

"Neither the incursions of Moor, the Spaniards nor the English, nor cannon nor bomb of either have been able to dislodge them." [Gibraltar Ornithological & Natural History Society (GONHS) "Nature News' magazine, page 14"]

Tourism

The Barbary Macaques are considered by many to be the top tourist attraction in Gibraltar. The most popular troop is that of "Queen's Gate" at "The Apes' Den", where people can get especially close to the monkeys. They will often approach and sometimes climb onto people as they are used to human interaction. Nevertheless, they are still wild animals and will bite if frightened or annoyed. [ [http://www.gibraltar.gi/tourism/?category=1&item=2 The Barbary Apes Tourist Attraction of Gibraltar] ]

The Barbary Macaques' contact with large numbers of tourists was causing the integrity of their social groups to break down, as they began to become dependent on humans. This induced the monkeys' urge to foray into the town, resulting in damages to personal property such as buildings, clothing and vehicles. For this reason, feeding the macaques in Gibraltar is now an offence punishable by law. Anyone caught feeding the monkeys will incur a penalty fine of up to £500. [ [http://www.gibraltarnewsonline.com/2006/08/19/rgp-warn-public-of-penalties-for-feeding-rock-apes/ News on Penalties for Feeding the Barbary Macaques in Gibraltar] ]

Military care

The Gibraltar macaque population was under the care of the British Army and later the Gibraltar Regiment from 1915 to 1991, who carefully controlled a population that initially consisted of a single troop. An officer was appointed to supervise their welfare, and a food allowance of fruit, vegetables and nuts was included in the budget. Births were gazetted in true military fashion, and each new arrival was named. They were named after governors, brigaders and high ranking officers. Any ill or injured monkey was taken to Royal Naval Hospital and received the same treatment as would an enlisted service man. Following the withdrawal of the British garrison, the Government of Gibraltar took over responsibility for the monkeys.

Officers in charge

* of the Gibraltar Regiment (c.1958 - c.1986)
* Ernest Asquez of the Gibraltar Regiment (c.1986 - unknown)
* Zammut of the Gibraltar Regiment

Present care

Once every year, a census is conducted in order to actualise data and monitor reproductive success of the whole population.These demographic data are important for the management of the population generally, but also when it comes to the point of fertility regulation in selected individuals. Since Barbary macaque females reproduce well, the population on Gibraltar is steadily increasing, which in turn puts pressure on the limited habitat. Population control is therefore an essential part of the effective management of the Gibraltar monkey population. [ [http://www.gonhs.org/macaques.htm Info on Gibraltar Barbary Macaques from the GONHS official website] ]

Legend

A popular belief holds that as long as Barbary Macaques exist on Gibraltar, the territory will remain under British rule. In 1942 (during World War II), after the population dwindled to just a handful of individuals (just seven monkeys), British Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill ordered that their numbers be replenished immediately from forest fragments in both Morocco and Algeria due to this traditional belief.

A story tells that Gibraltar is linked to Africa by a passage over 15 miles (24 km) long which begins at Lower St. Michael's Cave and passes under the Strait of Gibraltar. Legend has it that the Barbary Macaques entered The Rock from Morocco this way.

In popular culture

* The Barbary Macaque has featured on the Gibraltar pound's five pence coin since 1988 and on the tercentenary edition one penny coin since 2004.

References

External links

* [http://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/~burton/burt-web/poir-social.pdf Frances D. Burton: The Integration of Biology and Behavior in the Socialization of Macaca sylvana of Gibraltar]

ee also

* List of mammals in Gibraltar
* Ravens of the Tower of London