Proboscis Monkey
Proboscis monkeys are endemic to Borneo island
(Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei and Kalimantan)
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The proboscis monkey is most commonly found in coastal areas and along rivers. Its habitat is limited to lowland habitats such as swamp forests that may experience tides. The species is usually found within at least one kilometer of a water source.
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Over the past 40 years, the population of proboscis monkeys has decreased by 80%. Now only 16,500 proboscis monkeys are thought to remain in the wild...
Did you know that...
01
They are the greatest swimmer among the primate species
Proboscis monkeys can even swim underwater and dive up to 20 metres!
They have evolved webbed feet and hands to help them outrun crocodiles, which are some of their main natural predators
02
​Bananas are poisonous to proboscis monkeys!
You might think that bananas are the favorite of all primates, but due to the unique digestive system of proboscis monkeys, they only eat leaves, seeds, insects, and unripe fruits because ripe fruits contain sugars that ferment in their stomachs, causing fatal bloating.
03
Male and female proboscis monkey has different noses
The male's nose is long and thick, while the female's nose is small and pointed. Female proboscis monkeys are attracted to the size of a male's nose; the bigger the nose, the greater the chance of finding an ideal mate.
04
They co-exist with other monkey species
Proboscis monkeys are less territorial than other primates. They rarely compete with each other and do not actively defend their territory. These proboscis monkeys not only live with other species of monkeys, but they sometimes mate with each other and have hybrid offspring.
