The Rock of Gibraltar, on the south coast of Spain, is a beacon on the narrow strait separating Africa from Europe. The monkeys inhabit dens in high reaches on the rock, commonly called "Rock Apes" in Gibraltar. The monkeys are actually Barbary macaques (Macaca sylvanus).
Originally from the Atlas Mountains and the Rif Mountains of Morocco, the Barbary macaque population in Gibraltar is the only wild monkey population on the European continent. Although most populations in Africa are experiencing declining populations due to hunting and deforestation, the population of Barbary monkeys in Gibraltar is increasing. Nobody bother them. The are part of the attractions of Gibraltar for the tourists. Currently, some 300 animals in five troops occupy the Upper Rock area of the Gibraltar Nature Reserve, though they make occasional forays into the town. As they are a tailless species, they are also known locally as Barbary apes or rock apes, despite being monkeys. The local people simply refer to them as monos when conversing in Spanish or Latino. The Affenberg at Salem Germany has a colony of approximately 200 of the Barbary Affen.
We went on foot 3-4 hours from the lift station to the top of the Rock and back to the station and met may 100 of monkeys. They were on the fence, on the road, playing each other, watching tourist. One Macacos monkey was on the top of the head of some old Lady. May be she was her pet, may be has given her some food…We took a pictures of more interested from us of them, tried to speak or play with them. Some of them were surprised, some - did not care. Here are posted most interested photos of and with monkeys Macacos, the main citizens of the Rock of Gibraltar.
Originally from the Atlas Mountains and the Rif Mountains of Morocco, the Barbary macaque population in Gibraltar is the only wild monkey population on the European continent. Although most populations in Africa are experiencing declining populations due to hunting and deforestation, the population of Barbary monkeys in Gibraltar is increasing. Nobody bother them. The are part of the attractions of Gibraltar for the tourists. Currently, some 300 animals in five troops occupy the Upper Rock area of the Gibraltar Nature Reserve, though they make occasional forays into the town. As they are a tailless species, they are also known locally as Barbary apes or rock apes, despite being monkeys. The local people simply refer to them as monos when conversing in Spanish or Latino. The Affenberg at Salem Germany has a colony of approximately 200 of the Barbary Affen.
We went on foot 3-4 hours from the lift station to the top of the Rock and back to the station and met may 100 of monkeys. They were on the fence, on the road, playing each other, watching tourist. One Macacos monkey was on the top of the head of some old Lady. May be she was her pet, may be has given her some food…We took a pictures of more interested from us of them, tried to speak or play with them. Some of them were surprised, some - did not care. Here are posted most interested photos of and with monkeys Macacos, the main citizens of the Rock of Gibraltar.
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