Presence of Monkeys in the Everglades
Rhesus macaques have established a free-ranging population in parts of South Florida, including areas near the Everglades. The primary known colony resides around Silver Springs State Park and adjacent waterways in central Florida, with occasional sightings reported in broader wetland regions. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhesus_macaque
Florida wildlife agencies have documented these monkeys in riparian zones, where they forage and move between waterways. Their presence in the Everglades ecosystem is attributed to historical releases and escapes from captivity, with the population persisting for decades. https://www.forbes.com/sites/science/2022/08/31/monkeys-in-florida-herpes-b-virus-risk/
Species, Numbers, and Characteristics
Rhesus Macaque Population Estimates
Estimates of the free-ranging rhesus macaque population in Florida have ranged from several hundred to over one thousand individuals, depending on the study and year. Researchers have used capture-mark-recapture and aerial surveys to refine these figures. https://www.southflorida-watermanagement.gov/
Rhesus macaques are Old World primates adapted to a variety of habitats, including subtropical wetlands. They are omnivorous, social, and capable of thriving near human activity, which supports their persistence in the region.
Management, Risks, and Regulatory Context
Health and Ecological Concerns
Health agencies have flagged the potential for zoonotic disease transmission, including herpes B virus, which can be carried asymptomatically by rhesus macaques. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has monitored interactions between humans and monkeys in recreational areas. https://myfwc.com/
State and federal agencies have evaluated management options, including population control and relocation, to reduce ecological and public health risks. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regulates the importation and transport of nonhuman primates under the Lacey Act and Endangered Species Act frameworks. https://www.fws.gov/