1 00:00:22,000 --> 00:00:25,400 The Atlas Mountains, Morocco. 2 00:00:30,160 --> 00:00:31,800 These cedar forests... 3 00:00:33,240 --> 00:00:36,600 ..are the scene of a violent struggle for power. 4 00:00:46,000 --> 00:00:49,320 The old king, the alpha male, has gone. 5 00:00:55,680 --> 00:00:56,680 And his crown... 6 00:00:58,840 --> 00:01:00,480 ..is for the taking. 7 00:01:04,440 --> 00:01:08,680 Ten males, all vying for the top spot. 8 00:01:08,680 --> 00:01:15,000 THEY SCREECH 9 00:01:58,080 --> 00:02:00,720 A new ruler emerges victorious. 10 00:02:05,120 --> 00:02:08,520 Strong but inexperienced. 11 00:02:11,080 --> 00:02:14,280 This male is known as Mac. 12 00:02:19,560 --> 00:02:21,440 Winning is just the start. 13 00:02:24,480 --> 00:02:29,560 Holding on to power and building his own dynasty 14 00:02:29,560 --> 00:02:33,440 will be the greatest challenge he has ever faced. 15 00:02:54,360 --> 00:02:59,000 In Barbary macaque society, status brings power. 16 00:03:10,240 --> 00:03:12,800 And Mac wears the crown. 17 00:03:19,880 --> 00:03:22,400 But the job of the king is not easy. 18 00:03:26,640 --> 00:03:30,080 He may now be first in line for everything... 19 00:03:32,960 --> 00:03:35,800 ..but he will face many challenges in leading 20 00:03:35,800 --> 00:03:39,400 and protecting this huge extended family. 21 00:03:51,760 --> 00:03:54,040 He will have to prove himself... 22 00:04:01,640 --> 00:04:06,320 ..both to his rivals, who will take any chance to depose him... 23 00:04:10,720 --> 00:04:14,240 ..and to the rest of the group, who he must protect. 24 00:04:29,000 --> 00:04:32,480 Their home is surrounded by other troops. 25 00:04:34,920 --> 00:04:38,320 Mac needs to keep a watchful eye at the border. 26 00:04:52,960 --> 00:04:56,640 But that takes him away from his immediate rivals... 27 00:04:57,880 --> 00:05:00,880 ..just when he needs to keep them in check. 28 00:05:18,520 --> 00:05:20,920 New babies are on the way. 29 00:05:23,440 --> 00:05:27,880 And everyone is focused on one female... 30 00:05:31,560 --> 00:05:32,600 ..Rala. 31 00:05:48,200 --> 00:05:50,040 She's given birth. 32 00:06:01,840 --> 00:06:04,440 The first baby of the spring. 33 00:06:22,720 --> 00:06:27,400 Mac has missed the arrival of the newest member of the troop - 34 00:06:27,400 --> 00:06:30,040 something that could prove costly. 35 00:06:37,760 --> 00:06:44,680 In Barbary macaque society, males use infants as social currency, 36 00:06:44,680 --> 00:06:48,960 bargaining chips that can be offered to others to make friends, 37 00:06:48,960 --> 00:06:52,960 secure allies and resolve disputes. 38 00:07:08,280 --> 00:07:12,520 Whilst holding any infant can bring power and influence, 39 00:07:12,520 --> 00:07:16,480 it's the newborn babies that are most coveted. 40 00:07:51,920 --> 00:07:56,520 With Mac away, one of his rivals spots an opportunity. 41 00:08:04,880 --> 00:08:06,640 This is Nick. 42 00:08:12,440 --> 00:08:17,040 If he can steal this baby, it should be to his advantage. 43 00:08:39,040 --> 00:08:42,240 With Rala's newborn in his grasp, 44 00:08:42,240 --> 00:08:45,320 Nick can start to use it to win allies. 45 00:08:53,840 --> 00:08:57,880 Newborns need to feed regularly or risk dying. 46 00:09:00,360 --> 00:09:02,960 Even though the baby is desperate, 47 00:09:02,960 --> 00:09:06,080 Nick won't let Rala have her daughter back. 48 00:09:15,000 --> 00:09:18,040 By rushing the baby over to another male... 49 00:09:22,000 --> 00:09:23,440 ..and to another... 50 00:09:25,840 --> 00:09:29,240 ..Nick is trying to curry favour - 51 00:09:29,240 --> 00:09:32,840 a strategy that could create a new coalition... 52 00:09:39,560 --> 00:09:43,040 ..one which may pose a threat to Mac's rule. 53 00:09:48,120 --> 00:09:51,320 The growing commotion catches his attention. 54 00:09:55,920 --> 00:09:58,280 Mac must restore order. 55 00:10:05,160 --> 00:10:07,400 He quickly asserts his dominance... 56 00:10:13,280 --> 00:10:15,320 ..and rescues the tiny baby. 57 00:10:27,800 --> 00:10:31,320 Nick is firmly put back in his place. 58 00:10:38,280 --> 00:10:43,480 Mac can now return the hungry baby to the safety of her mother to feed. 59 00:10:50,880 --> 00:10:53,520 He's probably saved the baby's life. 60 00:11:02,880 --> 00:11:06,920 Mac has proved himself to be a strong and protective leader... 61 00:11:08,960 --> 00:11:13,040 ..and reasserted his position at the top of the troop. 62 00:11:21,120 --> 00:11:22,480 But to stay there... 63 00:11:24,000 --> 00:11:25,840 ..he needs allies. 64 00:11:31,440 --> 00:11:35,880 Forming strong alliances is the secret to success, 65 00:11:35,880 --> 00:11:39,240 but it's hard to know who to trust. 66 00:11:48,640 --> 00:11:52,400 There are two males who seem ready to pledge their allegiance. 67 00:11:56,880 --> 00:11:58,480 Simon - 68 00:11:58,480 --> 00:11:59,720 big and strong. 69 00:12:08,640 --> 00:12:13,360 But he's getting old and seems prepared to take second place. 70 00:12:20,320 --> 00:12:25,720 And Ciro - younger and new to the group. 71 00:12:32,440 --> 00:12:36,080 If a male supports the alpha, he may reap benefits... 72 00:12:37,320 --> 00:12:41,160 ..better access to everything, from food to mates. 73 00:12:43,840 --> 00:12:47,240 So it could be in the interests of both of them to ally 74 00:12:47,240 --> 00:12:48,480 with their new leader. 75 00:12:55,200 --> 00:12:59,440 By bringing an infant to Mac, Simon shows his loyalty. 76 00:13:14,920 --> 00:13:17,840 Teeth chattering strengthens their bond. 77 00:13:26,440 --> 00:13:28,480 Ciro follows Simon's lead... 78 00:13:30,840 --> 00:13:33,200 ..signalling his support. 79 00:13:47,200 --> 00:13:52,480 But these are uneasy alliances, borne of convenience. 80 00:13:55,680 --> 00:13:58,000 Trust is yet to be earned. 81 00:14:04,240 --> 00:14:06,880 Mac must remain vigilant. 82 00:15:02,760 --> 00:15:07,600 Over the following weeks, ten more babies are born into the group. 83 00:15:12,680 --> 00:15:14,880 This is Mac's legacy. 84 00:15:18,200 --> 00:15:21,600 The first generation born under his rule. 85 00:15:37,320 --> 00:15:41,160 The group is now nearly 80 strong - 86 00:15:41,160 --> 00:15:43,160 the biggest it's ever been. 87 00:15:53,560 --> 00:15:57,080 But with this comes greater responsibility. 88 00:16:14,040 --> 00:16:17,480 Mac doesn't have to wait long to be put to the test. 89 00:16:22,600 --> 00:16:23,960 RUSTLING 90 00:16:25,200 --> 00:16:26,240 Predators. 91 00:16:30,240 --> 00:16:32,080 They're after the babies. 92 00:16:35,360 --> 00:16:37,880 Feral dogs roam the forest... 93 00:16:39,440 --> 00:16:40,840 ..hunting in packs. 94 00:17:01,200 --> 00:17:02,600 SCREECHING 95 00:17:06,120 --> 00:17:08,680 They try to separate babies from adults. 96 00:17:21,400 --> 00:17:24,320 The troop needs to get to the safety of the trees. 97 00:17:33,560 --> 00:17:36,320 Mac makes sure no-one is left behind. 98 00:17:49,160 --> 00:17:50,320 BARKS 99 00:17:55,440 --> 00:17:57,320 SCREECHES 100 00:17:57,320 --> 00:17:59,560 BARKS 101 00:18:00,880 --> 00:18:03,640 BARKS 102 00:18:25,560 --> 00:18:29,120 BARKING 103 00:18:31,960 --> 00:18:34,320 High above the ground, 104 00:18:34,320 --> 00:18:36,480 the group is now safe. 105 00:18:39,560 --> 00:18:41,680 All babies accounted for. 106 00:18:58,640 --> 00:19:02,400 Mac has managed to keep the group out of harm's way. 107 00:19:05,120 --> 00:19:08,360 But things are about to get more challenging. 108 00:19:11,680 --> 00:19:16,280 Temperatures soar to 40 degrees. 109 00:19:30,080 --> 00:19:32,920 It's turning into one of the hottest, 110 00:19:32,920 --> 00:19:35,200 driest summers on record. 111 00:19:40,840 --> 00:19:46,480 Food and water are becoming scarce, particularly for such a large group. 112 00:21:08,800 --> 00:21:11,840 Mac has a difficult decision to make. 113 00:21:16,400 --> 00:21:18,120 Staying here is risky. 114 00:21:20,160 --> 00:21:24,440 The drought may soon mean there is not enough food to go round. 115 00:21:26,880 --> 00:21:29,800 But leaving means facing the unknown. 116 00:21:31,760 --> 00:21:33,360 Beyond their borders, 117 00:21:33,360 --> 00:21:36,600 there may be perils that could endanger the whole troop. 118 00:21:44,720 --> 00:21:47,200 Mac makes the decision to go. 119 00:21:56,080 --> 00:21:57,760 And the group follows. 120 00:23:19,400 --> 00:23:21,800 The gamble seems to have paid off. 121 00:23:29,280 --> 00:23:30,760 Plenty of food. 122 00:23:35,040 --> 00:23:36,840 And if you know where to look... 123 00:23:39,920 --> 00:23:40,960 ..water. 124 00:23:56,160 --> 00:23:58,360 But Mac seems nervous. 125 00:24:04,720 --> 00:24:08,680 He has led them further from home than they've ever been before... 126 00:24:10,960 --> 00:24:13,240 ..and now they're trespassing. 127 00:24:17,680 --> 00:24:19,920 Another group is already here. 128 00:24:21,560 --> 00:24:23,760 A group even bigger than Mac's - 129 00:24:23,760 --> 00:24:25,480 nearly twice the size. 130 00:24:31,600 --> 00:24:34,360 Normally, a smaller group concedes. 131 00:24:49,840 --> 00:24:53,240 By rights, Mac should lead a retreat. 132 00:24:59,760 --> 00:25:02,800 But that would mean his group going hungry. 133 00:25:28,560 --> 00:25:30,200 He decides to fight. 134 00:25:34,680 --> 00:25:36,920 SCREECHING 135 00:26:03,960 --> 00:26:08,200 Despite the odds, they manage to push the other group back. 136 00:26:10,400 --> 00:26:15,000 Desperation has driven them to victory...this time. 137 00:26:29,440 --> 00:26:32,560 Mac's decision to fight may have been bold... 138 00:26:34,120 --> 00:26:36,880 ..but it was also perhaps foolish. 139 00:26:44,480 --> 00:26:46,760 And the group have paid the price. 140 00:27:13,000 --> 00:27:16,280 All he can do is tend to the wounded. 141 00:27:39,200 --> 00:27:42,880 Mac's mistake may prove costly for him too. 142 00:27:50,200 --> 00:27:53,360 If the group lose confidence in his leadership, 143 00:27:53,360 --> 00:27:55,440 his rule will be over. 144 00:28:02,400 --> 00:28:06,280 If Simon and Ciro can see a chink in Mac's armour, 145 00:28:06,280 --> 00:28:08,360 they'll be ready to exploit it. 146 00:28:10,320 --> 00:28:13,720 Dissent in the ranks is beginning to grow. 147 00:28:51,440 --> 00:28:56,680 It's now autumn and the group have retreated back 148 00:28:56,680 --> 00:28:58,320 to their own territory. 149 00:29:12,840 --> 00:29:16,040 Mac is managing to cling on to his crown... 150 00:29:17,200 --> 00:29:18,320 ..just. 151 00:29:19,840 --> 00:29:23,200 But his allies are starting to turn against him. 152 00:29:26,280 --> 00:29:28,200 And to make matters worse... 153 00:29:30,680 --> 00:29:32,720 ..the mating season has begun. 154 00:29:42,840 --> 00:29:44,320 Tensions are rising. 155 00:29:54,600 --> 00:29:59,160 As alpha, Mac should get the first choice of the females. 156 00:30:07,480 --> 00:30:09,880 But rivals are watching closely. 157 00:30:26,000 --> 00:30:29,200 Simon has his eyes on the throne... 158 00:30:34,000 --> 00:30:35,760 ..and Mac's mating rights. 159 00:30:46,040 --> 00:30:50,440 Over the past few weeks, Ciro's allegiance has been wavering... 160 00:30:53,960 --> 00:30:56,440 ..and now lies with Simon. 161 00:31:24,120 --> 00:31:27,120 Mac asserts his position as alpha. 162 00:31:41,480 --> 00:31:44,600 But the whole hierarchy is about to unravel. 163 00:31:57,280 --> 00:31:59,560 This is Simon's moment. 164 00:32:12,400 --> 00:32:17,800 Together, he and Ciro tried to intimidate Mac into submission. 165 00:32:46,520 --> 00:32:47,760 Alone... 166 00:32:48,920 --> 00:32:52,240 ..this is one battle Mac can't win. 167 00:33:02,880 --> 00:33:04,200 Defeated... 168 00:33:08,200 --> 00:33:11,800 ..his rule is over. 169 00:33:24,920 --> 00:33:27,560 His one-time ally, Simon... 170 00:33:28,760 --> 00:33:30,440 ..is now alpha. 171 00:33:47,280 --> 00:33:48,880 Mac must hide away. 172 00:34:19,600 --> 00:34:23,000 In the days that follow, Simon isn't shy 173 00:34:23,000 --> 00:34:25,640 about asserting his new authority. 174 00:34:47,760 --> 00:34:50,840 He has Ciro by his side as support. 175 00:34:55,680 --> 00:34:59,760 This troop, once led by a protective family man, 176 00:34:59,760 --> 00:35:02,680 is now ruled by a tyrant. 177 00:35:04,080 --> 00:35:08,080 One who doesn't tolerate anyone stepping out of line. 178 00:35:25,000 --> 00:35:27,800 Mac can only watch from the sidelines. 179 00:36:18,400 --> 00:36:20,920 Mac is all alone. 180 00:36:28,920 --> 00:36:30,360 Exiled. 181 00:36:46,880 --> 00:36:51,760 His crown and his dynasty lost. 182 00:37:11,680 --> 00:37:13,640 With winter looming... 183 00:37:16,040 --> 00:37:18,480 ..he could die from the bitter cold. 184 00:38:32,760 --> 00:38:35,840 Temperatures are now below freezing. 185 00:38:52,480 --> 00:38:57,360 To survive, the members of the group huddle together for warmth. 186 00:39:13,640 --> 00:39:18,080 And Simon has taken a prime spot to keep out the cold. 187 00:39:33,960 --> 00:39:39,400 Despite his isolation, somehow Mac has managed to stay alive. 188 00:39:45,400 --> 00:39:48,960 If he's ever going to return from exile, though, 189 00:39:48,960 --> 00:39:50,560 he will need help. 190 00:39:55,360 --> 00:39:57,480 He needs to make new friends. 191 00:40:10,080 --> 00:40:15,960 But the winter is long and Mac will have to bide his time. 192 00:41:12,320 --> 00:41:15,640 Simon's position seems secure. 193 00:41:25,680 --> 00:41:29,880 But the group is still wary of their new leader 194 00:41:29,880 --> 00:41:32,160 and his violent outbursts. 195 00:41:36,440 --> 00:41:40,400 Everyone alienated by Simon's aggression could be 196 00:41:40,400 --> 00:41:42,720 a potential ally for Mac. 197 00:41:44,360 --> 00:41:48,160 And Nick has no allegiance to the new alpha. 198 00:41:54,920 --> 00:41:58,840 Mac gathers an infant to bring to Nick. 199 00:42:07,480 --> 00:42:09,480 Together... 200 00:42:09,480 --> 00:42:11,760 ..they build a strong bond. 201 00:42:22,120 --> 00:42:25,320 Mac is inching his way back into the fold. 202 00:42:34,120 --> 00:42:37,160 Ciro, however, is still by Simon's side. 203 00:42:45,080 --> 00:42:49,040 Supporting the alpha should give him the right to mate. 204 00:42:53,760 --> 00:42:56,240 But Simon won't tolerate this. 205 00:43:02,360 --> 00:43:06,200 And drives away his only remaining ally. 206 00:43:30,680 --> 00:43:33,800 This is the moment Mac has been waiting for. 207 00:43:35,480 --> 00:43:39,320 Without Ciro's support, Simon has left himself isolated. 208 00:44:01,680 --> 00:44:04,680 Mac, backed by Nick... 209 00:44:04,680 --> 00:44:06,320 ..charges. 210 00:44:14,200 --> 00:44:16,520 MACAQUES SCREECHING 211 00:44:23,800 --> 00:44:28,400 Intimidated and outnumbered, Simon is ousted. 212 00:44:41,640 --> 00:44:44,040 As quickly as he stole the throne... 213 00:44:45,280 --> 00:44:46,760 ..he's lost it. 214 00:45:03,880 --> 00:45:05,720 Mac is back. 215 00:45:08,240 --> 00:45:10,760 His crown reclaimed. 216 00:45:41,400 --> 00:45:46,040 The strong and protective leader is head of the group once more. 217 00:46:54,680 --> 00:46:56,560 Five months later... 218 00:47:08,200 --> 00:47:10,200 ..a new baby boy. 219 00:47:16,120 --> 00:47:18,560 The next generation of Mac's dynasty. 220 00:47:26,120 --> 00:47:29,080 This time, Mac won't leave Rala's side. 221 00:47:48,840 --> 00:47:54,920 As alpha, Mac should sire more offspring than any other 222 00:48:13,200 --> 00:48:18,080 And this baby may just have what it takes to be an alpha male 223 00:48:18,080 --> 00:48:20,240 himself one day. 224 00:48:33,080 --> 00:48:35,520 Mac's family is thriving. 225 00:48:51,600 --> 00:48:58,520 Under his leadership, the troop has grown in size and in strength. 226 00:49:13,520 --> 00:49:18,160 His rule and his dynasty are secure... 227 00:49:23,240 --> 00:49:24,400 ..for now. 228 00:49:43,720 --> 00:49:47,760 In the last 25 years, the number of Barbary macaques 229 00:49:47,760 --> 00:49:49,680 has more than halved. 230 00:49:52,160 --> 00:49:56,400 So to capture Mac's story, the crew travelled to one of the last places 231 00:49:56,400 --> 00:49:59,200 you can still find wild troops... 232 00:49:59,200 --> 00:50:01,480 up high in the Atlas Mountains. 233 00:50:03,400 --> 00:50:05,720 Up here, stamina is the key. 234 00:50:06,760 --> 00:50:09,480 Feel maybe, that coming down this valley back up again 235 00:50:09,480 --> 00:50:13,040 is just fine if you've got four legs and you're a macaque. 236 00:50:16,120 --> 00:50:19,360 Come out this morning and we've walked about 10km. 237 00:50:19,360 --> 00:50:20,960 It's quite hard to keep up. 238 00:50:23,600 --> 00:50:26,680 The troop live in incredibly tough conditions. 239 00:50:26,680 --> 00:50:28,840 It's not ideal for filming. 240 00:50:30,880 --> 00:50:34,400 Especially when you can't even see the monkeys. 241 00:50:34,400 --> 00:50:37,840 We are looking not great for this fog. 242 00:50:37,840 --> 00:50:40,080 The monkeys are pretty much invisible. 243 00:50:41,200 --> 00:50:44,280 To be up in the mountains in this sort of snow and temperature, 244 00:50:44,280 --> 00:50:47,560 this isn't quite the Morocco I expected. 245 00:50:49,400 --> 00:50:51,680 Much more slippery now, isn't it? 246 00:50:57,880 --> 00:51:01,240 But one person who feels at home with Mac's group 247 00:51:01,240 --> 00:51:06,440 is Mohamed Boussfel, a local guide who grew up in these mountains. 248 00:51:08,080 --> 00:51:10,880 I've known the group since 2013. 249 00:51:10,880 --> 00:51:12,960 I know every one of them. 250 00:51:16,160 --> 00:51:19,440 They know us is the same way that we know them. 251 00:51:21,080 --> 00:51:24,800 It's respect from both, from them and from us. 252 00:51:27,200 --> 00:51:30,880 Mohamed helps the crew to get to know the monkeys. 253 00:51:32,240 --> 00:51:36,720 They're definitely a group that don't really play by the rules. 254 00:51:38,160 --> 00:51:42,760 They just kind of like march to their own beat, really. 255 00:51:42,760 --> 00:51:45,280 Over time, the crew earn their trust. 256 00:51:48,520 --> 00:51:51,880 So I've got macaques sort of sat three feet from me, picking 257 00:51:51,880 --> 00:51:55,040 up flowers from beneath, looking for insects around the camera. 258 00:51:55,040 --> 00:51:57,120 Erm, it's magical. 259 00:51:59,200 --> 00:52:02,760 It's just such a pleasure to be sort of walking amongst the monkeys. 260 00:52:02,760 --> 00:52:07,000 Yeah, really does feel like being accepted into the group. 261 00:52:11,360 --> 00:52:14,600 But summer brings new challenges. 262 00:52:21,080 --> 00:52:24,480 Searching for food and water, Mac's troop are forced 263 00:52:24,480 --> 00:52:26,680 to new areas by the drought. 264 00:52:30,760 --> 00:52:35,520 The heat intensifies, and so does the crew's concern for the troop. 265 00:52:37,720 --> 00:52:40,920 The summer, there is no food, there is no water, 266 00:52:40,920 --> 00:52:43,320 and the temperature is very hot. 267 00:52:44,800 --> 00:52:49,640 For the past decade, the weather is definitely changing. 268 00:52:49,640 --> 00:52:51,760 This is not how it used to be. 269 00:52:53,320 --> 00:52:55,560 Can't imagine it's too much fun for the macaques, 270 00:52:55,560 --> 00:53:00,200 hiking for miles and miles, wearing a big fur coat of all things. 271 00:53:03,720 --> 00:53:07,520 The monkeys are waking up and just always on the move. 272 00:53:10,960 --> 00:53:13,440 Pushed beyond the edges of their territory, 273 00:53:13,440 --> 00:53:16,680 they come face-to-face with the human world. 274 00:53:19,120 --> 00:53:22,120 I've never seen the group actually go in this area. 275 00:53:22,120 --> 00:53:25,600 It's the first time because it's too dangerous. 276 00:53:27,120 --> 00:53:29,080 Some dangers are obvious. 277 00:53:31,440 --> 00:53:34,760 But the real threat takes the crew by surprise. 278 00:53:42,280 --> 00:53:45,240 The car just pulled up alongside the trail there, 279 00:53:45,240 --> 00:53:47,160 all the macaques were out and it looked like 280 00:53:47,160 --> 00:53:48,800 he was about to feed them. 281 00:53:48,800 --> 00:53:51,120 I started walking over to say, "Look, hey, 282 00:53:51,120 --> 00:53:52,800 "don't feed the macaques." 283 00:53:52,800 --> 00:53:55,600 And he reached down and got really close to the monkey. 284 00:53:55,600 --> 00:53:57,760 I was like, "Hey, hey, hey, don't, like, don't do that." 285 00:53:57,760 --> 00:54:00,640 And he just didn't hear me and then jumped to grab one 286 00:54:00,640 --> 00:54:02,600 of the monkeys and take it in the car. 287 00:54:02,600 --> 00:54:05,360 Luckily the monkey got away, but I just can't believe it. 288 00:54:06,840 --> 00:54:09,280 A brazen kidnapping attempt. 289 00:54:14,360 --> 00:54:18,480 If captured, monkeys are then sold as pets or forced to perform 290 00:54:18,480 --> 00:54:19,840 in market squares. 291 00:54:21,680 --> 00:54:23,920 This time, the monkey escaped. 292 00:54:26,320 --> 00:54:28,360 But they aren't all so lucky. 293 00:54:38,560 --> 00:54:42,280 I was counting the babies and there was one missing. 294 00:54:44,640 --> 00:54:48,320 There's high probability that it's poaching. 295 00:54:48,320 --> 00:54:52,160 A lot of people want babies in this time of the year. 296 00:54:53,600 --> 00:54:56,760 There is no chance for us to see him again with the group. 297 00:54:59,160 --> 00:55:01,880 It's more hurtful than a good thing. 298 00:55:03,320 --> 00:55:07,360 For the group, I mean, it's a huge loss to lose a baby. 299 00:55:07,360 --> 00:55:10,200 But for that mother as well... 300 00:55:10,200 --> 00:55:11,680 ..to have a baby taken. 301 00:55:16,800 --> 00:55:20,600 I am not actually surprised because I know it happened 302 00:55:20,600 --> 00:55:24,000 before, it happened today and more poaching's 303 00:55:24,000 --> 00:55:25,600 going to happen in the future. 304 00:55:27,400 --> 00:55:31,520 In 2013, half of the troop's babies were taken by poachers. 305 00:55:35,280 --> 00:55:37,440 The future for Barbary macaques here in Morocco 306 00:55:37,440 --> 00:55:39,680 is under massive threat. 307 00:55:39,680 --> 00:55:41,920 These babies look really cute when they're small, 308 00:55:41,920 --> 00:55:44,960 but they don't make good pets, they're not for us. 309 00:55:51,040 --> 00:55:53,280 Mohamed is determined to help. 310 00:55:55,160 --> 00:55:59,160 He and a group of local scouts have been patrolling the forest, 311 00:55:59,160 --> 00:56:00,960 walking with the troops. 312 00:56:03,400 --> 00:56:06,680 This is just one of several projects that aim to protect 313 00:56:06,680 --> 00:56:08,520 these endangered monkeys. 314 00:56:10,840 --> 00:56:13,600 And it's starting to work. 315 00:56:15,400 --> 00:56:17,760 With the protection from scouts... 316 00:56:19,000 --> 00:56:21,600 ..we can see the babies from two years ago, 317 00:56:21,600 --> 00:56:23,760 that it's still here and still alive. 318 00:56:26,280 --> 00:56:29,920 In the time the crew were filming, Mac's troop gave birth 319 00:56:29,920 --> 00:56:32,040 to a record number of babies. 320 00:56:33,920 --> 00:56:36,600 And since the conservation project began, 321 00:56:36,600 --> 00:56:41,240 the local macaque population has grown by over 30%. 322 00:56:42,720 --> 00:56:45,680 There is hope. I mean, the future could be bright. 323 00:56:45,680 --> 00:56:47,120 We have that chance. 324 00:56:49,880 --> 00:56:53,040 This may be a small victory, but Barbary macaques 325 00:56:53,040 --> 00:56:54,600 are still in trouble. 326 00:56:58,520 --> 00:57:02,760 Stronger protection from the threat of poaching, climate change 327 00:57:02,760 --> 00:57:07,000 and habitat loss is essential if this remarkable species 328 00:57:07,000 --> 00:57:08,640 is to stand a chance. 329 00:57:11,520 --> 00:57:15,720 They experience poaching, they survive the harsh weather, 330 00:57:15,720 --> 00:57:19,680 they survive the lack of food and water, they survive it all. 331 00:57:19,680 --> 00:57:22,920 So that's why they should really be protected. 332 00:57:26,000 --> 00:57:30,160 We need people not to look at monkeys as a source of income, 333 00:57:30,160 --> 00:57:34,800 but instead see them as beautiful, charming creatures 334 00:57:34,800 --> 00:57:36,840 that have the right to live.