Proboscis monkey
Few primates are as unusual and charismatic as the Proboscis Monkey (Nasalis Larvatus). They are fondly known as the 'Dutchman', since these monkeys reminded the native people of Borneo of early European explorers. It is the largest primate found in Borneo, with large males weighing up to 23kg.
Habitat
The proboscis monkey is found only on the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia. The island is divided among three countries: Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia.
Most of the time it is found in mangrove forests, swamps and lowland riparian forests on the island where it prefers to live near fresh water and rivers in groups of 30. You get two types of groups:
- Bachelor groups which include juvenile, adolescent and adult males.
- Family groups - this is led by one large alpha male and includes females, their young and younger males that have not yet been forced out by the alpha male.
It avoids deforested areas and human settlements.
Food
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Leaves are its main food. Ninety five percent of its diet consists of leaves of the mangrove and pedada trees. Its unique digestive system makes the
leaves easy to digest. It prefer immature leaves over older ones. It will also eat fruits and seeds.
Special features
- Proboscis monkeys have the longest noses of all primates, their most distinguished feature. In elderly animals, it can reach 17.5cm (a quarter of the body length. Even their name is
derived from their flashy nose. Male noses are larger than females and troublesome like sometimes they have to push it out of the way before putting
something in their mouth. There are many noticeable characteristics of the noses. It swells and turn red when they become excited or angry.
They also make loud honking sounds as a warning when they sense danger, which make their noses stand out straight and the nose acts as a resonator
when the monkey vocalizes.
- Another noticeable things are their large pot bellies due to which both sexes look perpetually pregnant. Twice as large as any other colobine monkey,
their stomachs are divided into compartments and filled with cellulose digesting bacteria. The bacteria helps digest the leaves and neutralize toxins
in certain leaves.
- One other unusual feature of a Proboscis Monkey is that they have partially webbed back feet.
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- They are also proficient swimmers and appear to spend a large amount of time in the water.
Status
Proboscis monkeys are listed as Endangered by the 2000 IUCN Red List. Declared endangered, fewer than 8,000 monkeys may remain, though surveys have been limited.According to one survey from World Conservation Union, this endangered monkey faces a significant reduction of population in the wild (50% projected or suspected) within the next 10
years.
The reason of their fear of extinction can be settlement, agriculture, swamp drainage, mining, hunting, shrimp farming, and fire. There are many websites
in the web asking people to adopt this monkey and many organizations collecting funds to help stop their extinction in the future.Any action taken specifically from any government is unrecognised.
My imagination
If I were to give a character trait to this animal, it would be humorous. This is because their noses being so long and their fat bellies give them a funny look. Their diet consisting
mostly of leaves adds up to that.
A quiz for you
Further inquiry: For any comments and questions contact to the authorMobin Jassi
References
1) "Borneo�s Proboscis Monkey � a Study of Its Diet of Mineral and." SCIENTIFIC CORRESPONDENCE. N.p., 10 Aug. 2005. Web. 29 Apr. 2011. http://www.ias.ac.in/currsci/aug102005/454.pdf
2) Gron, Kurt, and Ramesh Boonratana. "Proboscis Monkey (Nasalis Larvatus)." Primative Info Net. N.p., 25 Feb. 2009. Web. 29 Apr. 2011. http://pin.primate.wisc.edu/factsheets/entry/proboscis_monkey/taxon
3) Laman, Tim. "Proboscis Monkeys @ National Geographic Magazine." National Geographic Magazine. N.p., Aug. 2002. Web. 29 Apr. 2011. http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/0208/feature7/
4) "Proboscis Monkey - Animals." A-Z Animals - Animal Facts, Information, Pictures, Videos, Resources and Links. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Apr. 2011. http://a-z-animals.com/animals/proboscis-monkey/
5) "Proboscis Monkey - Nasalis Larvatus." Blue Planet Biomes. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Apr. 2011. .http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/proboscis_monkey.htm
6) "Proboscis Monkey - The 'Dutchman of Borneo'" BorneoDream.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Apr. 2011. http://www.borneodream.com/explore-wildlife-adventure/information-explore-sabah-borneo/proboscis-monkey-sabah-borneo.html
7) Wikipedia contributors. "Borneo." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 28 Apr. 2011. Web. 29 Apr. 2011.
8) Wikipedia contributors. "Proboscis monkey." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 25 Apr. 2011. Web. 29 Apr. 2011.
9)"HTML Code: MiniChapter 4: Links and Images." Dave's Site / Davesite.com. Web. 04 May 2011. http://www.davesite.com/webstation/html/chap04.shtml
Pictures
10)"Proboscis monkey-Images General view." Web. 4 May 2011. .http://www.bestourism.com/medias/dfp/5196
11)Proboscis Monkey male eating leaves." Science photo library. Web. 4 May 2011. .http://www.sciencephoto.com/images/download_lo_res.html?id=670086655
12)Pittasworld. Web. 4 May 2011. http://www.pittasworld.com/Site/Jewelthrush_Diaries_Blog/Entries/2009/7/14_SABAH_
ROUND-UP.html
13)Cute sun summer thinking." Can Stock Photo. Web. 4 May 2011. http://www.canstockphoto.com/images-photos/thinking.html.
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