Pronunciation: [sˈɛlɛbz ˈe͡ɪps] (IPA) 
The proper spelling of the term for the indigenous Celebes black macaque is "Celebes Apes." The word "Celebes" is pronounced /sɛlɛbz/ with the stress on the second syllable. "Apes" is pronounced /eɪps/ with the vowel sound "a" as in "ape" and the "s" at the end pronounced as an unvoiced "s" sound. These primates are known for their expressive faces and active behavior, often found in the forests of Sulawesi, Indonesia.
Celebes Apes, also known as Celebes Crested Macaques (Macaca nigra), are a critically endangered species of Old World monkeys indigenous to the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, also known as Celebes. They are mainly found in the Tangkoko Nature Reserve and other rainforests throughout the island. With their distinctive and striking appearance, Celebes Apes are characterized by their black fur, long tails, and prominent reddish-brown crests on their heads.
These arboreal primates are known for their highly social behavior, living in large groups consisting of females, their offspring, and a few adult males. They communicate using a combination of vocalizations, body movements, and facial expressions. Celebes Apes are omnivorous, with a diet comprising mainly of fruits, leaves, seeds, and occasionally insects.
Due to habitat destruction, as a result of logging and conversion of land for agriculture, along with poaching for bushmeat and the illegal pet trade, the population of Celebes Apes has significantly declined. They are currently listed as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List, and conservation efforts are being made to protect their remaining habitat and prevent further decline.
Celebes Apes play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of their natural habitat by aiding in seed dispersal. They are also considered a flagship species, representing the need for conservation in Sulawesi's rainforests.
The term "Celebes Apes" is a name that was given to a group of primates found on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, formerly known as Celebes. The term is a combination of two elements: "Celebes" and "Apes".
1. Celebes: The word "Celebes" refers to the former name of the island of Sulawesi, located in the Malay Archipelago in Southeast Asia. The term "Celebes" itself has an uncertain etymology. It is believed to have been derived from the historical kingdom of Selayar on the southwestern coast of Sulawesi, which was an important trading port centuries ago.
2. Apes: The word "Apes" in this context is used to refer to the group of primates found on the island. However, it is important to note that these primates are not actually classified as true apes.
