Sulawesi crested black macaque (Macaca nigra)

Mohamed bin Zayed Species project number 12253894

The Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust (WWCT) is an education, scientific and conservation charity dedicated to protecting our global wildlife heritage and inspiring in people a respect for animals, plants and the environment. Following a research expedition led by WWCT in 2007 as a rapid response to previous survey results, areas of critical habitat were identified and conservation priorities set for the Sulawesi crested black macaques (Macaca nigra). Selamatkan Yaki (Indonesian for 'Save the macaques') is an integrated conservation programme founded by WWCT to mitigate some of the threats facing the species, working to maintain a self-sustaining wild population of M. nigra and protect their forest habitat. Working partnerships both in-situ and ex-situ have combined to identify the anthropogenic threats posed to the current population of Macaca nigra within their native range, culminating in the production of a Species Conservation Action Plan for the species. A multitude of approaches addressing the conservation objectives comprise research, education, the improvement of ecotourism infrastructure and sustainable development. Long-term cooperative efforts will invest resources into improving agriculture techniques and sustainability and developing alternative livelihood strategies. Collaborating with national and international stakeholders, raising awareness forms the central motivation of the project, disseminating information to local communities, government bodies and universities in the form of presentations and the distribution of education materials.