This endemic Macaque occurs in three subspecies.

The commonest is the Dry zone subspecies (Macaca sinica sinica).

The Wet zone subspecies (Macaca sinica aurifrons) is classified as vulnerable being restricted to rain forests such as Sinharaja -it is distinguished by the golden-brown fur on the front of the cap.

The third subspecies is the endangered Highland race (Macaca sinica opisthomelas) which sports thick fur to protect against the cold and wet of the Highlands.