
Japanese macaque
Japanese macaques, also known as snow monkeys, are a primate species native to Japan. They are known for their thick, grayish-brown fur that helps them survive cold winters, and they live in diverse environments, from subtropical forests to snowy mountainous regions. They are highly social animals, living in large, structured groups. Japanese macaques are intelligent, exhibit complex behaviors, and are famous for soaking in hot springs to stay warm during winter. They primarily eat fruits, leaves, seeds, and insects, and play an important role in their ecosystems as both prey and seed dispersers.