Unggoy (Macaca fascicularis philippensis)
The Philippine Long-tailed Macaque (Macaca fascicularis philippensis) or locally known as unggoy is a charming tropical faunal species found in Bohol.
The Philippine Long-Tailed Macaque (Macaca fascicularis philippensis) is one of the Nicobar long-tailed Macaque subspecies.
The species is widely distributed in the tropical forests of Southeast Asia and are found all over the country. This species is arboreal, they can be seen leaping from one tree to another. Their bodies are covered with soft fur dark brown with light golden brown upperparts and light gray underparts. They have dark grey to brown colored tails. Exposed skin on their hands, feet, and ears is colored black. Males weigh between 3.5 kg to 8.3 kg, while females weigh between 2.5 kg to 5.7 kg body weight.
The Philippine Macaques are omnivores. They feed on plants and small animals, including lizards and birds. Populations of these monkeys that inhabit coastal areas forage on shellfish and crabs.
Currently, the World Conservation Union or IUCN lists the Philippine Long-Tailed macaque as “Vulnerable” due to the animals being hunted for food and research specimens.
These macaques are common attractions in Bohol especially in Maribojoc, Loon, and at the Rajah Sikatuna Protected Landscape in Bilar. But more than tourist destinations, they occupy a special niche in the ecosystem. Let us all preserve our natural heritage, and protect every faunal and botanical species to ensure a diverse, healthy, and vibrant environment.
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