Crested Black Macaque Population in Indonesia Critically Endangered

A crested black macaque hangs out beachside in a nature reserve on Sulawesi. In studying these intriguing monkeys, known locally as yaki, scientists are learning how their social structure illuminates human behavior. (Stefano Unterthiner/National Geographic)

It was the selfie seen ’round the world—and could be the first to save an entire species from extinction.

As the story goes, a crested black macaque stole photographer David Slater’s camera and snapped a photo of its toothy grin. And as quickly as the story went viral, so did conservationists raise concern about the need to protect the species, one of the world’s 25 most endangered primates.

Sulawesi, an Indonesian island, is home to seven different species of macaque. But, it may not be for long. Deforestation has drastically diminished the area where macaques make their home, and the species is a favorite of illegal pet traders and, far worse, hunters who are after their meat. With a population last tallied at 2,000 in 2010, the current one has dropped substantially. However, tourists and scientists are flocking to Sulawesi to see the famous primates in their natural habitat. Some conservationists believe that ecotourism could be the key to the species’ survival.

Stefano Unterthiner headed to Sulawesi to photograph crested black macaques for the March issue of National Geographic magazine. Check out his photos below.

A day in the life of these social monkeys includes moseying through the forest of the Tangkoko Nature Reserve, eating, grooming, and lollygagging. If individuals fan out on their own, they use calls to stay in contact with the group. (Stefano Unterthiner/National Geographic)

Photographs by Stefano Unterthin

Stolen from the wild, young Nona (Nona means ‘Miss’) leads a chained existence with a family in Kumersot. Keeping endangered yaki as pets is illegal; animal welfare groups are working to find and rescue them. (Stefano Unterthiner/National Geographic)

Photographs by Stefano Unterthin

Mother macaques bear one baby every 20 months or so and do most of the parenting. Wee ones nurse for less than a year but stick close for several more. Young males eventually leave to vie for position in another group.(Stefano Unterthiner/National Geographic)

Photographs by Stefano Unterthin