Proboscis Monkey
Nasalis larvatus
Quick answer
The proboscis monkey is endemic to Borneo, recognised by males' large pendulous noses and pot bellies. Weighing about 20 kg, living roughly 20 years, and swimming well across rivers, it feeds on tough leaves in mangroves and riverine forest — listed Endangered from habitat loss.
Proboscis Monkey facts at a glance
| Scientific name | Nasalis larvatus |
|---|---|
| Diet | Herbivore — leaves, unripe fruit, seeds, and flowers |
| Habitat | Borneo mangroves, peat swamp, and riverine forest |
| Lifespan | 15–20 years in the wild |
| Weight | 10–24 kg (22–53 lb); males much larger |
| Top speed | Up to 24 km/h (15 mph); strong swimmer |
| Conservation status | Endangered (IUCN) |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Primates |
| Family | Cercopithecidae |
| Genus | Nasalis |
Where it lives
Endemic to Borneo — mangroves, peat swamp, and riverine forest in Sabah, Sarawak, Kalimantan, and Brunei.
What is a group of proboscis monkeys called?
Group name (collective noun)
A group of Proboscis Monkeys is called a troop.
Baby name
A baby Proboscis Monkey is called an infant.
Explore more animal collective nouns and baby animal names .
Distribution and habitat
Proboscis Monkeys live in Endemic to Borneo — mangroves, peat swamp, and riverine forest in Sabah, Sarawak, Kalimantan, and Brunei. Preferred habitat includes borneo mangroves, peat swamp, and riverine forest. Across Asia, population density reflects prey availability, water access, and human disturbance. Protected areas and wildlife corridors remain essential for long-term persistence.
Physical traits and behaviour
Proboscis Monkeys typically reach about 0.75 m in length and 20 kg in weight, with top speeds near 24 km/h. Borneo's big-nosed swimmer. Daily activity, social structure, and seasonal movements reflect pressures in their native environment.
Diet and ecological role
Proboscis Monkeys feed on herbivore — leaves, unripe fruit, seeds, and flowers. Foraging shifts with season and local abundance. As mammals, they influence food webs — controlling prey, dispersing seeds, or shaping habitat through feeding and movement.
Conservation and coexistence
Listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Habitat loss, hunting, and climate change threaten many populations. Responsible ecotourism and community conservation help in parts of their range. Never approach or feed wild proboscis monkeys.
Human interest and research
Proboscis Monkeys feature in folklore, tourism, and scientific study worldwide. Ongoing research tracks population trends, genetics, and responses to environmental change — data that guides national protection policies.
Dig deeper into the Proboscis Monkey
- Are Proboscis Monkey Endangered
Dig deeper into proboscis monkey — are proboscis monkey endangered.
- How Long do Proboscis Monkey Live?
Dig deeper into proboscis monkey — how long do proboscis monkey live.
- Proboscis Monkey Facts 5
Dig deeper into proboscis monkey — proboscis monkey facts 5.
- What do Proboscis Monkey Eat
Dig deeper into proboscis monkey — what do proboscis monkey eat.
- Where do Proboscis Monkey Live?
Dig deeper into proboscis monkey — where do proboscis monkey live.
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Range & geography
Did you know? Proboscis Monkey facts
- Proboscis monkeys are endemic to Borneo, recognised by males' large pendulous noses and pot bellies.
- Sexual selection — larger noses correlate with higher rank in males.
- Borneo river cruises at dawn often spot troops in mangroves.
- Conservation: Endangered.
Diet & feeding
Proboscis Monkey feeds primarily as a leaves, unripe fruit, seeds.
Adaptations
- The nose amplifies honking calls and may signal mate quality.
- Webbed feet help proboscis monkeys escape crocodiles by crossing water.
Behaviour & ecology
- The nose amplifies honking calls and may signal mate quality.
- Webbed feet help proboscis monkeys escape crocodiles by crossing water.
Communication
- Proboscis Monkey uses scent, posture, and vocal signals to mark territory and coordinate social behaviour.
- Communication intensity often peaks during breeding seasons and territorial disputes.
Habitat & range
Borneo mangroves and riverine forest
Ecological role
Proboscis Monkey plays a recognised ecological role in borneo mangroves and riverine forest.
Frequently asked questions about the Proboscis Monkey
Where do proboscis monkeys live?
Endemic to Borneo — mangroves, peat swamp, and riverine forest in Sabah, Sarawak, Kalimantan, and Brunei.
What do proboscis monkeys eat?
Herbivore — leaves, unripe fruit, seeds, and flowers.
How long do proboscis monkeys live?
About 20 years in the wild on average.
Are proboscis monkeys endangered?
IUCN status: Endangered.
What is a group of proboscis monkeys called?
A group of Proboscis Monkeys is called a troop.
What is a baby proboscis monkey called?
A baby Proboscis Monkey is called an infant.
Sources & references
This guide is compiled and reviewed against established zoological and conservation references. Key sources for the Proboscis Monkey:
-
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Conservation status (Endangered) reflects the IUCN Red List category for Nasalis larvatus.
- IUCN Red List — Nasalis larvatus.
Conservation status (Endangered) and population trends.
- Animal Diversity Web — Nasalis larvatus. University of Michigan Museum of Zoology.
Life history, morphology, and range.
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