The Proboscis Monkey: Endangered Species

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Native to Borneo, proboscis monkeys, both male and female, have potbellies, so that they look permanently pregnant. Their stomach is much like that of a COW, filled with a soupy mixture of bacteria and vegetation. The bacteria ferment the vegetation they eat and break down the cellulose and plant toxins that would mean death to other animals. Their diet consists of leaves, seeds of legumes, palms and nonsweet fruits. Sweet, sugary fruits which ferment quickly, would make their belly bloat and could even cause their death. The male has a pendulous fleshy nose, that grows to almost seven inches long and since it droops over his mouth, he has to push it away to eat. The male “makes the most bizarre range of noises” according to the book “Proboscis Monkeys of Borneo.” He grunts, honks, roars and squeals. These monkeys also have partially webbed feet. Their numbers continue to decline, mostly because of – you guessed it – humans, who cause fires, wide-spread logging, tourism and the clearing of forests for palm-oil plantations. They are also hunted for sport and for food, even though protected by law in Borneo. Have you ever seen a Proboscis Monkey? Photo by Pixabay