Proboscis Monkeys
Carter Collins
Species Information
Status
Was previously listed as vulnerable in 1986. Remained listed as vulnerable until 2000 when it gained it's current status as endangered.
Adaptations
- Large nose to attract mates
- Nose allows for loud honking sound to warn off predators
- Very prolific swimmers
- Webbed feet and hands for swimming
Location
Endemic to Borneo, and island that is split by 3 countries off the coast of southern Asia. The proboscis monkey lives on the coast of the island in parts of the island split by Indonesia and Malaysia.
Threats
Habitat Loss
Being endemic to Borneo, when parts of the forests are destroyed for logging and homes, they lose a major percentage of their natural habitat.
Hunting
The proboscis monkeys are very lethargic and are easy to track. Many times they are killed in whole packs near rivers while they swim and drink.
Conservation
The proboscis monkey is protected by law in all regions of Borneo. It is listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species.
Impact
Major natural predators of the proboscis monkey are the Siamese crocodile which is listed as critically endangered. It feeds on the monkeys when they go for their swims. Another predator is the clouded leopard which is also listed as endangered. If the proboscis monkey were to go extinct, without the food source that the monkeys provide, the crocodiles and leopards could potentially become extinct as well.
Fact
The proboscis monkey is genetically the closest animal to humans, a 98.99% match
Proboscis monkey at Singapore Zoo