It’s been about a year and a half since I posted a black-crested macaque. In that time, their numbers continue to decline in their last remaining stronghold on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi and a few nearby islands. Even though they are listed as critically endangered, they are hunted by local residents for their meat, which is considered a delicacy. They are also hunted as pests because they destroy crops planted by local farmers — the same farmers who destroy what remains of their habitat by clearing the forest via slash and burn. Several international conservation groups are doing their best to save the remaining black-crested macaque populations. One of the problems is that they are so trusting of humans, as you can see from this young macaque, leaning in to get a better look at my wide angle lens. Nikon D700 with Nikkor 17-35mm lens (at 24mm) ISO 200, f/3.5 at 1/125th of a second, Nikon SB-800 flash
This is a very interesting photo, the macaque has the same type of pose as a chameleon often does. So interesting. I pray these unique creatures are allowed to thrive in their native habitat & that humans find a way to tread more softly on this great planet…
No doubt Amanda. And yes, he does look a bit like a chameleon climbing that stalk. Definitely one of my favorite wildlife encounters when I had the pleasure of spending an entire morning with these guys.
They are so human like with their expressions and behavior. At one point during my visit, I came across two sitting on the recently charred forest floor and I could swear they were silently crying.
Remarkable photo! Its face is so near-human like, making it difficult to understand how these creatures could be hunted. Long live the black-crested macaque.
They sure are human like. I spent about two to three hours with them one morning and was able to observe all sorts of behavior. Truly a great experience that I’d love to revisit some day.
Gorgeous. Sweet, sad face. Crushing to learn of their decline. Are some groups working with locals to dissuade them or redirect them to other options and save the species? Hope so.
Hi Jennifer,
Yes, I’ve heard of several groups that are trying to educate the locals and find viable means for them to earn money through tourism. It’s a tough thing, though, to tell the locals that they can’t farm the land that they live on. The good news is that locals can almost always make more money through tourism, the problem is getting them to understand this.
Thanks, Sean. I’m heartened to know there are folks trying to work with locals to find alternate solutions. Yes, it seems getting local buy-in is the universal challenge in wildlife conservation. That sentiment seemed prominent in the recent film “Racing Extinction.”
As a wildlife enthusiast, I thoroughly enjoy your daily posts. Thanks for the vicarious adventures and education! JB
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It’s been about a year and a half since I posted a black-crested macaque. In that time, their numbers continue to decline in their last remaining stronghold on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi and a few nearby islands. Even though they are listed as critically endangered, they are hunted by local residents for their meat, which is considered a delicacy. They are also hunted as pests because they destroy crops planted by local farmers — the same farmers who destroy what remains of their habitat by clearing the forest via slash and burn. Several international conservation groups are doing their best to save the remaining black-crested macaque populations. One of the problems is that they are so trusting of humans, as you can see from this young macaque, leaning in to get a better look at my wide angle lens.
Sad story, very magnificent animal.
I so agree Rick…..
—– Accusing visage
—– Easter Island Monolith
—– Folly of man recalls.
What a beauty! So sad.
This is a very interesting photo, the macaque has the same type of pose as a chameleon often does. So interesting. I pray these unique creatures are allowed to thrive in their native habitat & that humans find a way to tread more softly on this great planet…
No doubt Amanda. And yes, he does look a bit like a chameleon climbing that stalk. Definitely one of my favorite wildlife encounters when I had the pleasure of spending an entire morning with these guys.
I opened this posting and gasped. OMG. Amazing face.
And what a sad story.
They are so human like with their expressions and behavior. At one point during my visit, I came across two sitting on the recently charred forest floor and I could swear they were silently crying.
Remarkable photo! Its face is so near-human like, making it difficult to understand how these creatures could be hunted. Long live the black-crested macaque.
They sure are human like. I spent about two to three hours with them one morning and was able to observe all sorts of behavior. Truly a great experience that I’d love to revisit some day.
is this money that we surpose to envole from?
It’s possible Michael. Sure does look human.
Gorgeous. Sweet, sad face. Crushing to learn of their decline. Are some groups working with locals to dissuade them or redirect them to other options and save the species? Hope so.
Hi Jennifer,
Yes, I’ve heard of several groups that are trying to educate the locals and find viable means for them to earn money through tourism. It’s a tough thing, though, to tell the locals that they can’t farm the land that they live on. The good news is that locals can almost always make more money through tourism, the problem is getting them to understand this.
Thanks, Sean. I’m heartened to know there are folks trying to work with locals to find alternate solutions. Yes, it seems getting local buy-in is the universal challenge in wildlife conservation. That sentiment seemed prominent in the recent film “Racing Extinction.”
As a wildlife enthusiast, I thoroughly enjoy your daily posts. Thanks for the vicarious adventures and education! JB