Sadly, these endemic primates have had massive population declines, with estimates as high as 80% within the last 40 years and are now Critically Endangered according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, and even appear on the Top 25 most endangered primates list.

Through the collaboration between national and international stakeholders, we have built a solid foundation for the conservation of this unique species. These include local communities, NGOs, the tourism industry, the media, scientists, politicians and government officials amongst others. Raising awareness and fostering positive attitudes towards wildlife represents the first steps towards positive behavioural change, the central motivation of our programme. This includes sharing information and local knowledge with local communities, government bodies and universities in the form of participatory events, conservation forums, distribution of education materials and creating ambassadors for the yaki – role models for social change. The species is steadily becoming recognised with pride as a valuable flagship, highlighting the diversity of the flora and fauna in North Sulawesi.