Without a doubt, the Barbary macaques (Macaca sylvanus) are one of the rock's attractions, which is why hundreds of tourists visit the area every day to see them. However, How did these animals get to the peninsula? Have they always been there?
To try to resolve these questions, in this article on our site we will expose the main and most discussed theories about the presence of monkeys in the rock, a British territory located in the south of the Iberian Peninsula. Find out below why there are monkeys on the Rock of Gibr altar!
Characteristics of the Gibr altar monkey, Macaca sylvanus
The Bebería macaque, common name of the species, is the only non-human primate that lives in Europe, specifically on the rock of Gibr altar.
It is a medium-sized monkey, 60 to 72 centimeters in length and weighing between 10 and 15 kilograms. It does not have a tail and always moves on all fours, never upright. Its fur is light brown, and almost white in the belly area. It has a short snout, small ears, and deep-set eyes.
They live in groups of between 10 and 40 individuals, with a dominant male. Females remain in the family group for life, while males leave the group when they reach reproductive age. Males and females participate in the care of the young equally.
Origin of the monkeys of Gibr altar
There are several theories about the presence of monkeys in Europe. The first one is a legenda that speaks of the existence of some caves where the monkeys bury their congeners. It is said that these underground caves have several extensions that connect Africa with the Iberian Peninsula, creating a channel through which monkeys can pass.
The first scientific theory that was believed was that there were more monkeys throughout Europe, but that they are now extinct. Zoologists have discarded it because it does not match the DNA of the fossil remains found in Europe with that of the monkeys of Gibr altar.
On the other hand, it is a well documented fact that the monkeys have been there since at least the Arab occupation (711-1462 AD), but it is disputed whether these were the ones who brought them, since there is data on their previous presence.
In 2005, Dr. Lara Modolo, through studies with mitochondrial DNA analysis of the three metapopulations of Barbary, Gibr altar, Moroccan and Algerian apes, revealed that the founding females of the population from Gibr altar came from Morocco and Algeria These seem to be the latest data discovered on the origin of this species on the rock.
Are Gibr altar monkeys dangerous?
Whenever we deal with wild species there is a risk of suffering physical harm or, at least, a good scare, especially if we are not trained in the proper management of the species orwe don't know the signs that tell us we should stay away from the particular animal.
The monkeys of Gibr altar are very accustomed to human presence, but we can always send misleading signals by which they may feel threatened or misunderstand their behavior and become aggressive.
When we enter the territory of another species and interact with its members, there is always the risk of being harmed, even more so if the The species with which we relate is a non-human primate, and the risk of zoonosis is much higher.
The monkeys of Gibr altar are a great attraction for tourists who come daily to the rock and have permission to feed them. On certain occasions, tourists end up getting bitten by monkeys. According to a study, the probability of being bitten by one of Gibr altar's monkeys varies according to certain factors, such as the density of tourists, the more visitors the greater the probability of being bitten.
Another factor is the time of day, with the afternoon being the worst time to interact with them. On the other hand, it is in summer when more bites occur, which is the time when there are more tourists. There is also a negative correlation with the age of the visitor, so that the younger the age, the lower the probability of being bitten. In addition, the number of bite victims has been found to be higher among women
Where to see the monkeys of Gibr altar?
Monkeys in Gibr altar are found in the high area of the rock There are currently 6 populations spread throughout the Gibr altarian territory. If you go to see the monkeys, remember that they are wild animals, with a hierarchical society, territorial and brave, so they will not hesitate if they feel annoyed with the behavior human.
These monkeys are very used to receiving food from the British authorities, however, feeding them is prohibited and fined. They are selective, so they do not eat everything they receive, certain foods are saved for another time. That's why it's normal to see them stealing, if they see something they like they won't hesitate to take it away.
You must be very careful when there are hatchlings nearby, because the adults will have a more defensive attitude and could end up attacking.
