Proboscis monkey
The Proboscis monkey, scientifically known as *Nasalis larvatus*, is a unique primate native to the tropical lowland rainforests and mangrove forests of Borneo in Southeast Asia. This species is easily identifiable by its distinct orange and gray fur, large dark eyes, and notably long, rounded nose. Adults exhibit sexual dimorphism, with males typically weighing around 44 pounds and females about 22 pounds. Proboscis monkeys thrive in social groups ranging from 20 to 60 individuals, primarily feeding on leaves, but also consuming fruits, insects, and flowers.
These monkeys are adept swimmers and can leap from significant heights to escape predators such as leopards and crocodiles. Despite their remarkable adaptations, they face threats from hunting and habitat destruction, leading to their status as an endangered species. The reproductive cycle of the Proboscis monkey occurs year-round, with peaks between February and November, and mothers usually give birth to one offspring after a gestation period of 166 to 200 days. In the wild, they have a lifespan of about 20 years, while they can live up to 29 years in captivity.
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Proboscis monkey
Proboscis monkeys live in tropical lowland rainforests, mangrove forests, and the coast of the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia. They eat so much food every day that their stomachs make up over 1/4 of their body weight.
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Primate
Family: Cercopithecidae
Genus: Nasalis
Species: Larvatus
Proboscis monkeys are covered with orange and gray fur. They have large, dark eyes and a large, rounded nose that hangs down over their mouth. They also have hard, sitting pads on the lower part of their rumps. These pads help them sit comfortably. Male proboscis monkeys grow to a head and body length of 29 and 30 inches (73 to 76 centimeters) and females reach 24 and 25 inches (61 and 64 centimeters). Female proboscis monkeys weigh about 22 pounds (10 kilograms), while the males weigh about 44 pounds (20 kilograms). The males are usually slower because of their greater weight.
Proboscis monkeys live in swampy forests along the coasts and rivers of Borneo. They live in the trees in social groups of 20 to 60 proboscis monkeys. They are omnivores that mainly eat leaves but sometimes fruits, insects, and flowers.
Proboscis monkeys are preyed on by leopards (Panthera pardus) when they are in the trees and by crocodiles (Crocodylus) in the water. To escape their predators, they may use their excellent swimming or jumping abilities. Proboscis monkeys can jump from a height of 50 feet (15 meters) into water and stay underwater for up to 30 seconds, swimming up to 65 1/2 feet (20 meters) before surfacing. Proboscis monkeys are an endangered species because of hunting and habitat destruction.
The mating season for the Proboscis monkey is year-round, but breeding peaks from February to November. Births usually occur when there is a lot of food available. The gestation period (duration of pregnancy) is 166 to 200 days. The female then gives birth to one young that nurses for up to 7 months. They reach independence after one year.
The life span of the proboscis monkey is about 20 years in the wild and up to 29 years in captivity.
Bibliography
"Proboscis Monkey." National Geographic, www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/facts/proboscis-monkey. Accessed 15 Apr. 2024.
Woltanski, Amy. "Nasalis Larvatus." Animal Diversity Web, animaldiversity.org/accounts/Nasalis‗larvatus. Accessed 15 Apr. 2024.