THE PROBOSCIS MONKEY

The proboscis monkey, Nasalis Larvatus, is one of themost unusual animals in the world. It is only found on the islandof Borneo, and even then its distribution is limited to the mangroveswamps of the coastal areas and the riverine forests on the lowerreaches of major rivers. The male proboscis is a bizarre-lookingcreature; on average it weighs 20 kg and possesses a characteristicpot belly and a huge red nose. It is probably the ugliest (ormost attractive!) monkey in the world and definitely one of thelargest.

The proboscis monkey's Malay name came about during the colonialperiod. The locals felt that the Proboscis resembled the Europeantraders and colonialists (both were hairy, both had big noses,both had pot bellies!), so the monkey was dubbed the MonyetBelanda - "Dutchman Monkey".

Proboscis monkeys are reddish-brown in colour, with grey limbsand long white tails. They move about in small groups, but theseare loose gatherings. Different social groups, or harems, frequentlymeet at riversides and animals do move between groups. They feedon young leaves, shoots, sour fruits and seeds, and are mostlyarboreal (tree living). However, they have been known to leavethe trees in order to cross open ground, or pass through nipahpalms. They are also proficient swimmers and expert at leapingfrom tree to tree, or from a riverside tree into the middle ofa river.

Sadly, the proboscis monkey is threatened with extinction owingto loss of habitat and hunting. For example, in 1977, an estimated6,400 proboscis monkeys were found living in Sarawak. Today thereare only 1,000. In addition to these, there are 2,000 in Sabahand perhaps 4,000 or so in Kalimantan.

This critical situation has resulted in action, and a number ofconservation measures have been implemented to protect the proboscismonkey. The Sarawak Forestry Department was involved in the firstever detailed study of the species, and the government has gazettednational parks and wildlife sanctuaries to provide protection.The Forestry Department also has an education unit which goesto villages, particularly near the reserves, to educate the populationon the importance of wildlife conservation.

The best place to view proboscis monkeys is at Bako National Park,on the Telok Delima and Telok Paku trails. An withthese rare and fascinating creatures in their natural habitatis for mant people the highlight of a trip to Sarawak.

  • PLACES
  • PARKS