Systematic review of the rhesus macaque, Macaca mulatta (Zimmermann, 1780) / Jack Fooden.

Abstract

The rhesus macaque, Macaca mulatta (Zimmermann, 1780), is systematically reviewed,based on examination of 638 museum specimens, observation of natural populations, and surveyof relevant literature. The natural distribution of M. mulatta extends from eastern Afghanistanand western India to eastern China and northern Vietnam. This review includes analysesof geographic variation in pelage characters, external measurements and proportions, cranialcharacters, molecular biology and genetics, and physiology and disease. Information also ispresented concerning natural history, reproduction, and paleontology. Taxonomically, local andregional populations are regarded as inadequately differentiated to warrant recognition of subspeciesin M. mulatta. A hypothesis is proposed to explain the evolution and dispersal of thisspecies. In an appendix, an annotated gazetteer lists 1,239 localities where M. mulatta has beencollected or observed.