Habitat:
Atlas cedar forests, scrubland and rocky slopes

Activity period :
Primarily active during the day, with peak activity in the morning and late afternoon.

Identification and description:
The Barbary macaque is a large Old World monkey, measuring 55–75 cm in body length and weighing 10–18 kg, with greyish-brown fur and a paler crown. Endemic to the Atlas Mountains of Morocco and Algeria, it inhabits cedar forests, scrub and rocky slopes, feeding on fruits, leaves and insects. Social and matriarchal, it lives in family groups where males uniquely assist in infant care. During the breeding season (01.11-31.03), males display dominance through chest-posturing and vocal calls.

Recommended lens:
300 mm – adjust based on distance, desired framing (portrait or habitat), and approach conditions.

Photography tips:
Photograph Barbary macaques in cedar forests at dawn or late afternoon using a telephoto lens of ≥300 mm from a concealed hide. Position low to isolate the subject against branches and rocks, use a fast shutter speed (≥1/1000 s) and continuous autofocus to track movements, and move slowly to avoid startling them. Maintain at least 20 m distance to minimize stress.