The Celebes crested macaque, scientifically known as Macaca nigra, is a medium-sized species of Old World monkey that is native to the island of Sulawesi in Indonesia. It is widely recognized for its distinctive physical features and unique behavioral traits.
Physically, the Celebes crested macaque has a robust body, covered in thick black fur, with an especially prominent tuft of hair on top of its head, resembling a crest. The face is adorned with striking features such as prominent eyebrows, pale cheeks, and a pinkish-grey colored muzzle. Their tails are relatively short in comparison to other macaque species.
These primates inhabit various types of forest, including lowland rainforests, mangroves, and mountaintops. They are highly social animals, commonly seen in large groups consisting of several males, females, and their offspring. The species is known for its complex social structure, which is based on female philopatry, meaning that females remain in their natal group for life, while males leave upon reaching sexual maturity.
The diet of Celebes crested macaques primarily consists of fruits, leaves, flowers, seeds, and insects. They are equipped with strong jaws and well-developed cheek pouches, enabling them to efficiently process and store food.
Unfortunately, the Celebes crested macaque faces several threats to its survival, including habitat loss due to deforestation, hunting for bushmeat, and illegal capture for the pet trade. Consequently, their population numbers have been significantly depleted, rendering them critically endangered according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Efforts are being made to protect these primates and their natural habitats to ensure their long-term survival.
