Endangered Species Blog #1: Proboscis Monkey

DESCRIPTION
The Proboscis Monkey is also called the Monyet Belanda Monkey, which means the long nosed Monkey. Local people referred to these large monkeys with their potbellies and red noses as ‘Dutch monkeys’ as they were considered such a caricature of the Dutch sailors and plantation owners of the area. Apart from their large noses, male proboscis monkeys are also distinctive by being much larger and heavier than females, and having a bright red, visible penis and black scrotum.

The male Proboscis Monkey is not only one of the largest monkeys in Asia but they are also one of the world’s most distinctive mammals, having a long and fleshy nose and a large, swollen stomach. It may seem hard to believe, but male proboscis monkeys use their fleshy, pendulous noses to attract mates. Scientists think these outsize organs create an echo chamber that amplifies the monkey’s call, impressing females and intimidating rival males.
Sizes male vs female:
Male head-body length: 73–76 cm, Female head-body length: 54–64 cm.
Male tail length: 66–75 cm, Female tail length: 52–62 cm.
Male weight: 16–22 kg, Female weight: 7–12 kg.
HABITAT AND RANGE
This medium-sized arboreal primate was exclusively found on the rainforest island of Borneo and the whole of coastal Borneo where it was once fairly widespread (with the exception of central Sarawak) throughout the coastal mangrove forestsThey live in the lower elevations of the forests and around the swamplands. They could be found in the Danau Sentarum National Park where they are well protected from poachers. They are well spread out in their habitat. (Figure 3)

The Proboscis Monkey inhabits very unique habitats and is most commonly found in mangrove swamps, but is also known to inhabit coastal mangroves, riverine forests and lowland rainforest providing that there is a good source of fresh water.
Groups join together in larger more fluid troops to rest at dusk; these encounters may be noisy with rival males displaying to each other and often crashing through the branches. They can live in groups that range from 10 to 30. The Monkeys don’t always stay in the same group though. They can move from one to the next frequently.
WHY IS IT ENDANGERED ?
Unfortunately, Borneo’s most threatened landscapes are home to these highly specialized primates. The rampant clearing of the region’s rain forests for timber, settlement, and oil palm plantations has depleted huge tracts of their habitat. Population numbers are thought to have dropped by up to 80% over the past 30 years with numbers continuing to decrease. There are thought to be around 7,000 Proboscis Monkeys left in the wild today and very few are found in captivity as they simply do not respond well to the artificial conditions.
PLEA FOR HELP
Check out WWF page for Probascis Monkey:
