Sulawesi crested macaque Macaca nigra
Macaques are the only non-human primates on the island of Sulawesi.
With their expressive faces and impressive black crest, Sulawesi crested macaques are a striking sight in the rainforest.
The Sulawesi crested macaque in a nutshell
- eats
- fruit, leaves, small animals and eggs
- inhabits
- the Indonesian island of Sulawesi
- excels at
- pulling funny faces
Pancake
Due to the shape of its face, the Sulawesi crested macaque resembles a baboon and is therefore sometimes also called the crested baboon. During the female’s fertile period, her buttocks swell to become a large, red ‘pancake’, which is irresistible to males. She gives birth to single offspring, with which the male also enjoys playing.
Seven different macaque species on a single island
The Indonesian island of Sulawesi is home to seven different macaques. These are made up of six species, one of which has two subspecies. Some scientists therefore maintain there are seven species, whilst others combine yet more of the species. About a million years ago, a significant rise in the sea level resulted in some parts of the island becoming flooded, creating small islands. The macaques on each of these islets evolved into a different species or form. Shifts in the earth's crust then pushed the land up, and a single island was again formed. This is where the different species of macaques now live side by side.
Critically endangered
The Sulawesi crested macaque has become critically endangered due to the activities of humans. The population has declined by more than 80% over the past 40 years, due mainly to habitat loss and hunting by humans. Zoo populations of this macaque are coordinated by a European Endangered Species Programme (EEP), and the group at ARTIS is also part of this programme. ARTIS has been keeping Sulawesi crested macaques since the 1970s.
The Sulawesi crested macaque has been adopted by King Kong Movers & Rentals, Maykin Media B.V., Onderwaater Bouwkundig Ingenieursbureau B.V. and Young Facility.