Proboscis Monkey

The Proboscis Monkey

Best Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary Tours & Tickets - Book Now

The proboscis monkey, or long-nosed monkey, has a large nose, a reddish-brown skin color and a long tail. 

Species habitat and range

These monkeys live only on the island of Borneo and can be found on all three nations that divide the island: Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia. They are classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. There are around 7,000 proboscis monkeys left.

Proboscis Monkeys and Borneo Wildlife | ProboscisMonkey.org

Species role (niche) in ecosystem

These monkeys are omnivores and affect plant populations in the ecosystem. They mostly eat leaves, seeds, and fruits, but will sometimes eat insects. 

Cause of decline

The population of proboscis monkeys has decreased by more than 50% in the past 36–40 years due to habitat loss from logging and oil palm plantations, and hunting in some areas. Some people treat these monkeys as a delicacy so they have been hunted by humans for this, and for use in traditional Chinese medicine.

Importance and why we should care

This species is important to its ecosystem because they serve in the food chain to feed on plants and spread seeds. They should be protected because humans have been a major cause of their decline and we must change our practices to undo this damage. To humans, they represent a unique and memorable creature worth protecting.

Current conservation efforts

Conservation efforts for this monkey species includes the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, which has been designated as a sanctuary for Asian elephants, orangutans, and proboscis monkeys. However, habitat destruction has still been increasing in other areas the monkey lives.

A proboscis female with her young in Sabah, Borneo

How a geographer, geospatial tools, or the study of geography aids or can aid in the conservation of species

GPS tracking, and less-invasive DNA analysis have allowed scientists to finally do more research on this species after struggling for a long time to learn more about this mysterious species. 

Ways to help the proboscis monkey:

1. Shop for sustainable palm oil. Much of the habitat loss in this area is due to palm oil plantations.

2. This species has been hunted for their intestinal bezoar stones which are used in traditional medicine. We should support stricter laws to protect this species from being hunted. 

3. The protection of swamp forests is needed for this species. Supporting measures to pass forest protections can help aid in reducing further deforestation.

4. Tourism in areas where proboscis monkeys live can cause more disruption of their habitat. Do not choose vacation destinations in areas where increased tourism could lead to increased building in areas where endangered species live.

5. Raise awareness about sustainable palm oil with friends and family and tell them to look for items with certifications. This can be as simple as bringing up the topic while shopping together!

Stuffed Proboscis Monkey Plush - Mini : Toys & Games

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