Meat consumption in bonnet macaque (<i>Macaca radiata</i>): an analysis on recent observations from Wayanad, Kerala

Studies on vertebrate feeding among macaques are rare, except for the southern pig-tailed macaque.In this study, we present two instances of bonnet macaques consuming vertebrate meat in a semi-evergreen forest in Wayanad.This marks the first report of a freeranging bonnet macaque feeding on a bird and the first report of any vertebrate consumption by this species since 1978.Our review and analysis of vertebrate feeding among macaques indicate that they engage in vertebrate feeding infrequently, indicating that it is unlikely to be a significant source of protein or energy for them.