Proboscis Monkey

Endemic to the southeast Asian island of Borneo, the Proboscis Monkey is a large, reddish-brown arboreal monkey with an unusually large nose that hangs lower than its mouth and a protruding pot belly. The extensive length of the male nose in particular is due to females preferring louder vocalizations and the size of the nose increasing the volume of the calls.

The Proboscis Monkey generally lives in large groups of a single male and some females. It is most prevalent in coastal areas and along rivers, often restricted to lowland habitats that may experience tides. Its diet follows a seasonal schedule, but over the course of a year, it will consume at least 55 different plant species with a preference for unripened fruit and young leaves.

This species is the most aquatic of the primate species, with webbed toes that allow it to swim long distances. Predators of the Proboscis Monkey include the Clouded Leopard, crocodiles and eagles. The female Proboscis Monkey gives birth to a single offspring after a 166 – 200 day gestation period.