Barbary Ape

The barbary ape is not a barbarian... even though that IS the word it's name is derived from. It also comes from the Greek word for "foreigner", and this fits the monkey perfectly. It is the only monkey found in Europe!  That's right, monkey... though they are called apes, they are actually monkeys.

 Barbaries only live on the Rock of Gibraltar, which is at the very tip of Southern Spain. It is unknown how they got to Gibraltar. There are many local legends about tunnels under the sea, but none of these have ever been found.

These monkeys are quite small and very quick. They often steal and scrounge from orchards to eat. They usually weigh from 15-22 lbs. Their mating season is in the fall, and they stay pregnant for almost a year. Their young are often born in May. A female often only has one baby per pregnancy- cases of twins are very rare.

Fun Fact: Barbary Apes live in large groups that are led by old female monkeys. Unlike most other primate groups, the males are the primary caregivers to their young. This is thought to be due to the selectiveness of the females. Also, the whole tribe helps to care for the young one- not just the "family".

A barbary ape reaches maturity at 3 or 4, and can live to over 30- especially females. The oldest male known died at 25, while some females have exceeded 30 years. A male monkey will rarely attack a higher ranking male in his pack for any reason. IF by chance they do end up fighting, the monkey tries to make coalitions with the higher ranking male. However, the monkeys do not often fight as males are usually caring for the young.