Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Primates
- Family
- Cercopithecidae
- Genus
- Macaca
Habitat
This species is endemic to the northern regions of Sulawesi, Indonesia, primarily inhabiting tropical rainforests and montane forests up to 1,000 meters elevation. They prefer dense vegetation for cover and are often found near rivers or in secondary forests, adapting to both primary and disturbed habitats.
Diet
The Gorontalo macaque is omnivorous, feeding on fruits, leaves, seeds, insects, and occasionally small vertebrates or bird eggs. They forage primarily in the early morning and late afternoon, using their hands to manipulate food and cheek pouches to store items while moving.
Behavior
Gorontalo macaques live in multi-male, multi-female troops of 10-30 individuals, with a social hierarchy dominated by adult males. They are diurnal, spending their days foraging, grooming, and resting in trees, while exhibiting territorial behaviors like vocalizations and displays to defend their range. These monkeys are both arboreal and terrestrial, often traveling on the ground in search of food.
Conservation Status
The IUCN classifies the Gorontalo macaque as Vulnerable, with populations declining due to habitat loss from deforestation and hunting for the pet trade. Major threats include agricultural expansion and human encroachment in their limited range on Sulawesi.