12 July 2017 – In the coming weeks we are sharing pictures in a series we call #AnimalsofCikananga. With this photo’s we hope to give some insight and backgrounds on the rescued animals that are here in Cikananga and are so typical for the many challenges wild animals face in Indonesia. Please follow our Facebook page or Instagram account for frequent updates.
Today in #AnimalsofCikananga: Eloid, Heck’s Macaque (Macaca Hecki) CITES: Vulnerable
Eloid is one of three Hecki’s in Cikananga and they all came from a large confiscation from a illegal trader that planned to sell them on the black market.
These macaques are not very wide spread as other macaque species; They only live in the northern part of Sulawesi. Since 1994 they are categorised a “Vulnerable” following deforestation, poaching and hunting by farmers who consider them crop raiders. As there is not much research done for this species not many specifics are clear, but the decline of the population is real, and the research that is available estimates a drop of 30% in the the coming 40 years.
After a stressful time in the illegal trade, Eliod is doing well in Cikananga. They get the care they deserve, diverse food and enrichement and the prospects are pretty good for Eliod and the two other Hecki’s: Currently we are working on the paperwork and then they can be moved back to Sulawesi, where the rehabilitation process starts. With a little bit of luck Eliod and the 2 other Hecki’s will return to the wild in the coming years….
Want to help Eliod? Please help us: http://www.wanicare.com/how-to-help/donations
Photo by Jonathan Beilby