Overview
The Proboscis Monkey is a Bornean endemic primate, easily recognizable by its large, pendulous nose and reddish-brown fur. It is primarily found in coastal mangroves and riverine forests, including areas around Tawau.
Habitat & Ecology
Proboscis Monkeys are highly adapted to riverine and mangrove ecosystems. They are excellent swimmers and can often be seen crossing rivers. Mangrove roots provide shelter and abundant food sources, including leaves, fruits, and seeds.
- Preferred areas: lowland rivers, estuaries, and mangrove forests.
- Social structure: live in groups of 10–20 individuals, led by a dominant male.
- Activity: mostly active during the day, resting at night in tall mangrove trees.
Behavior & Diet
These monkeys are folivorous, feeding mainly on leaves, fruits, and seeds. Their large stomachs allow them to digest fibrous leaves efficiently. They are often seen jumping between mangrove branches or swimming across rivers to forage.
Distinguishing Uniqueness: Proboscis vs. Red Leaf Monkey
| Feature | Proboscis Monkey | Red Leaf Monkey |
|---|---|---|
| Nose | Large, pendulous nose (esp. males) | Small, flat nose |
| Habitat | Mangroves, rivers, estuaries | Hill & dipterocarp forests |
| Body | Pot-bellied, webbed feet, strong swimmers | Slim, agile climbers |
| Diet | Leaves, fruits, seeds (fibrous digestion) | Tender young leaves, shoots |
| Social Calls | Loud honks & nasal sounds | Softer calls, less resonant |
Where to See in Tawau & East Coast
- Tawau Hills Park riversides – Early morning or late afternoon sightings.
- Kuala Tawau mangroves – Frequent encounters along tidal waterways.
- Pulau Sebatik mangroves – Occasional river-crossing groups.
- Kinabatangan River (Sandakan region) – Larger populations along riverbanks.
Conservation Efforts & NGOs
- The conservation of Proboscis Monkeys in Sabah thrives through the synergy of research, academia, and grassroots action.
- Henry Bernard and John Sha provide the essential foundation by documenting population status and threats in East Sabah, ensuring conservation strategies are grounded in evidence.
- Building on this, Joseph Tangah and his team at Universiti Malaysia Sabah investigate isolated populations and the impacts of mangrove degradation, highlighting the ecological consequences of habitat fragmentation and the urgent need for restoration.
- Complementing these scientific efforts, Tawau’s local volunteers bring conservation to life through mangrove replanting and awareness campaigns. Their work fosters respect for the monkeys as neighbors rather than tourist commodities, embedding conservation within community values. Together, these groups form a powerful alliance: researchers define the threats, academics explain the ecological impacts, and volunteers act to restore and protect habitats. Their combined achievements exemplify how collaboration across disciplines and communities safeguards Sabah’s natural heritage.
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Henry Bernard & John Sha – Researchers documenting Proboscis population status and threats in East Sabah. -
Joseph Tangah & team (Universiti Malaysia Sabah) – Studied isolated Proboscis populations and mangrove degradation impacts.
The Proboscis Monkey is listed as Endangered due to habitat loss and mangrove deforestation. Local initiatives in Tawau include:
- Sabah Wildlife Department – Leads the Proboscis Monkey Action Plan 2019–2028, supported by Danau Girang Field Centre and Yayasan Sime Darby.
- 1StopBorneo Conservation – Active in Tawau, focusing on mangrove protection and community awareness.
- Wildlife Sanctuary Sabah – Mangrove restoration and replanting projects.
- Community-based groups – Local fishermen and youth groups replant mangroves along Tawau River estuary.
DID YOU KNOW?
- Proboscis Monkeys can swim up to 20 meters underwater using their webbed feet.
- Their large noses act as resonating chambers, amplifying calls to attract mates.
- They coexist with other primates like the Red Leaf Monkey (Presbytis rubicunda), but occupy different ecological niches.