# Are Proboscis Monkeys Endangered?

> Are proboscis monkeys endangered? Status Endangered, main threats, and what protection means.

- **Species:** Proboscis Monkey (*Nasalis larvatus*)
- **Conservation status:** Endangered
- **Diet:** Herbivore — leaves, unripe fruit, seeds, and flowers
- **Habitat:** Borneo mangroves, peat swamp, and riverine forest
- **Lifespan:** 15–20 years in the wild
- **Top speed:** Up to 24 km/h (15 mph); strong swimmer
- **Canonical HTML:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/proboscis-monkey/are-proboscis-monkey-endangered/
- **Parent profile:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/proboscis-monkey/
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-07-16

## Quick answer

The proboscis monkey (Nasalis larvatus) is a large, reddish leaf-eating monkey found only on the island of Borneo, where it lives in mangroves, peat swamps, and riverine forest. Males are unmistakable for their huge, drooping noses and can weigh up to 24 kg, far more than females. Strong swimmers, they cross rivers and can move at up to 24 km/h. They live around 15 to 20 years and are listed as Endangered.

## Who should skip this page

Skip this if you need the full biology — use the [Proboscis Monkey profile](https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/proboscis-monkey/) instead.

## The remarkable nose

The proboscis monkey takes its name from the enormous, pendulous nose of adult males, which can hang down past the mouth. This oversized nose is thought to amplify the male's honking calls and to signal health and status to females. Females and young have much smaller, upturned noses by comparison. No other primate carries a nose quite like it, making the species instantly recognisable.

## Help protect the Proboscis Monkey

The proboscis monkey is listed as Endangered, with habitat loss the leading threat to its future.

[Donate to protect habitat](https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/appeals/habitats/)

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Source: Global Animal Guide (https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/proboscis-monkey/are-proboscis-monkey-endangered/). Licensed CC BY-NC 4.0 — free for non-commercial reuse with attribution.