Crested Black Macaque

What are the distinctive physical characteristics of the crested black macaque?

The crested black macaque (Macaca nigra) is a distinctive monkey native to the Minahasa region of Sulawesi. Contrary to being an ape, it is a member of the family Cercopithecidae. Its primary physical characteristics include:

• Crest: It is named for the narrow crest of hair that runs along the top of its head, starting from behind an overhanging brow.
• Fur and Tail: The animal is covered in dark brown or black fur and possesses a stump-like tail.
• Muzzle: It features a long, flat muzzle that is black and nearly hairless.
• Size: The body length ranges from 55 to 65 cm (22 to 26 inches). There is notable sexual dimorphism in weight, with adult females weighing approximately 5.5 kg (12 pounds) and adult males reaching nearly 10 kg.

How genetically diverse are crested black macaque populations, and why is this important for their conservation?

Sorry, the Britannica knowledge base does not contain information regarding the specific genetic diversity of crested black macaque populations or the implications of such diversity for their conservation.

The available records confirm that the crested black macaque (Macaca nigra) is a monkey found only in the Minahasa region of Sulawesi and on nearby Bacan Island, and that most Sulawesi macaque species are currently in danger of extinction.¹²

How long do crested black macaques typically live in the wild?

Sorry, the Britannica knowledge base does not contain information regarding the typical lifespan of the crested black macaque in the wild.

While general information about the macaque genus notes that these primates reach adulthood at four years of age, specific longevity data for Macaca nigra is not provided in the current records.¹²

How has the crested black macaque population been affected by human activities?

Human activities have directly influenced the distribution and survival of the crested black macaque (Macaca nigra). Notably, the species is found on Bacan Island only because it was likely introduced there by humans, rather than being native to that location.¹

Beyond their historical movement, the species faces significant modern challenges. The crested black macaque is one of seven macaque species native to the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, and most of these species are currently in danger of extinction. While the provided records do not detail specific human-driven threats such as habitat loss or hunting, the broader classification of these populations as endangered highlights the critical impact of environmental pressures on their survival.²