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Searching for monkeys in Tangkoko Nature Reserve, North Sulawesi , Indonesia September 17-23, 2006
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With neatly groomed punk hairdos, a group of one hundred Crested Black Macaques romped, foraged, and bickered on the forest floor at Tangkoko, oblivious to our presence until Mark got just a little too close. The fellow gave his first warning--a big yawn--and when that didn't work, barred his teeth. But we stood our ground, and the dispute ended in seconds. He went back to foraging, we continued clicking away, fascinated by the ever-changing expressions of our distant cousins. A team of researchers has been following this group, known as "Rambo I", every day for the last year and a half, recording their locations and vocalizations, which keep their strict hierarchy intact. Crested Black Macaques are found only in North Sulawesi, and Tangkoko has the only viable population remaining of this endangered species. The total population (about 6,000) could be extinct in the next 10 years, if habitat fragmentation and destruction, as well as hunting, continue. After an hour or so, the alpha male sauntered by, his muscles bulging, equipment-laden researcher at his side; one sharp call from him and the entire group moved on. |
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All that remains of an enormous tree is the web of a strangler fig branches that caused its demise.
Liza and ranger; village scenes across the road from Tangkoko. |
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Ambon (plane) ► Manado, Sulawesi (jeep) ► Lembeh (jeep) ► Tangkoko (jeep) ► Manado |
Images ©2006, 2007 Mark Goudy and Liza Riddle. All rights reserved worldwide. |