In a photo taken by Lakaw ni Paw last November 9, 2022, a large alpha male Philippine long-tailed Macaque (Macaca fascicularis philippensis) was seen at the Boulder Face side of Sta. Cruz Trail at Mt. Apo.
The photo was posted by Sta. Cruz Tourism, the official tourism Facebook page of Sta. Cruz, Davao Del Sur.
Although various sightings have been reported in different areas of the country, it is very rare to see an alpha male macaque, whose mustache is indeed very attractive. The female one, in contrast, has a beard.
It can be recalled that last November 6, 2022, two macaques were seen foraging as they picked up food packaging left as trash along the highway of Ternate Cavite.
The Department of Natural Resources recently released last May 15, 2021, a macaque into its natural habitat, after being taken care of in an animal shelter at Barangay Baso, Cabucgayan, Biliran.
Another sighting on January 21, 2021, was a macaque eating flowers in Tagaytay City.
In Baras, Rizal, a macaque was also captured on camera in December 2020.
The endemic long-tailed macaque’s natural habitats are mangroves and forests. DENR Davao Region reminds trekkers not to come near these wild animals. Touching and giving food is also prohibited.
In 2008, the International Union for Conservation of Nature listed the long-tailed macaque as “near threatened”, and PCSD Resolution No. 15-521 declared it an “endangered species” on March 11, 2022.
Republic Act No. 9147, otherwise known as the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act) clearly states that collecting, hunting, or possessing wildlife is prohibited. This was enacted and took effect on July 30, 2001.
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