A cheeky Celebes crested macaque named Naruto, who snapped a few selfies with an unattended camera in Indonesia’s Tangkoko, has shot his entire species to fame. The photos went viral, and garnered the yaki, as they’re locally known, legions of fans worldwide. A high-profile lawsuit ensued - does Naruto own the copyright to his photos? The answer was no, but all that publicity was probably just what was needed to boost awareness of the conservation needs of this relatively unknown primate.
Yaki expressions
The type of toothy grin, as seen in Naruto’s selfies, is thought to be a display of ‘peaceful intentions’. Males often ‘yawn’ to display their canines and assert their superiority. To show aggression, male macaques stare open-mouthed, grin with lips closed, then yawn and give chase. A grimace and lip-smacking signals submission or satisfaction. A loud, bird-like call may be used to resolve conflicts, to warn others away or to indicate dominance in contests for females.
Attractive In Red
Every male and female macaque has multiple mates. When females are ready to mate, their rump swells and becomes bright red. The swelling may appear grotesque to us but it is an important visual signal of fertility. Olfactory cues may be at work too - males are seen to sniff the females’ rears at this time. Butt-sniffing is also a form of greeting, as is embracing, especially among the females. Female form more egalitarian bonds, whereas males conform to a strict pecking order.
Together, we protect wildlife
WRS in support of the Celebes crested macaque
This macaque is one of the world’s 25 most endangered primates - wild populations have declined by 80-90% in 40 years. The illegal bushmeat trade and habitat encroachment are the principal threats to their survival.
Mandai Nature supports the work of Yayasan Selamatkan Yaki Indonesia (SY) in saving the Celebes crested macaque.
Image credit: Andrew Walmsley & Selamatkan Yaki
The IUCN Status
CR
Critically Endangered
At extremely high risk of extinction in the wild
The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species is widely recognized as the most comprehensive, objective global approach for evaluating the conservation status of plant and animal species.
DD
Data Deficient
Unknown risk of extinction
LC
Least Concern
At relatively low risk of extinction
NT
Near Threatened
Likely to become vulnerable in the near future
VU
Vulnerable
At high risk of extinction in the wild
EN
Endangered
At very high risk of extinction in the wild
CR
Critically Endangered
At extremely high risk of extinction in the wild
EW
Extinct in the Wild
Survives only in captivity
EX
Extinct
No surviving individuals in the wild or in captivity