Census and cultural coexistence: Tracking macaque density and behavior in a ritual forest habitat in Central Java Indonesia

Long-tailed macaques are an interesting model for ethnoprimatological study of synanthropic populations occupying human–impacted and culturally meaningful ecosystems at the wildlife–society interface. This study evaluated the population ecology of Macaca fascicularis troops inhabiting a 0.8-hectare secondary forest enclave surrounded by settlements and a religious heritage site visited daily in Central Java, Indonesia. Focal observations occurred during three two–week census periods in December 2021–2023 assessing demographics, behaviors, human–macaque cooperation and conflict. Three troops formed with 96–125 individuals counted–substantial densities considering constraints. Fluid subgrouping and intercommunity toleration facilitate persistence but prompt occasional external crop raiding. Documenting demographic structure and temporal variations tests resilience strategies and limitations in confinement. Generational ties manifest locally through habitual feeding and protective site-use privileges related to the macaques’ legendary status as honored “guardians.” Quantifying their fragmented forest stronghold role contextualizes conservation solutions reconciling ecological requirements and deep cultural roots through apposite supplemental provisions and stakeholder compromises allowing the continuation of this rare coadapted bond. This study provides a baseline for long-term monitoring and demonstrates how science and environmental humanity can intersect to sustain biodiverse refugee forest remnants supporting multifaceted species intrinsically woven into community identity.