Proboscis monkey or Bekantan, often referred to as the long-nosed monkey due to its impressive elongated nose, is an astonishing primate. They are highly unique and captivating creatures, particularly in their ability to swim.
Striking Physical Appearance
One of the key distinctive features of the bekantan is its prominent long nose. Furthermore this nose can extend up to 7 to 10 inches in adult males. The elongated nose is actually an enlarged part of the nose and is believed to serve several functions. Moreover, Proboscis Monkey has thick brown to black fur, coupled with a striking pinkish face. This combination of physical attributes, in turn makes the Proboscis Monkey one of the most easily recognizable primates.
Habitat and Geographic Distribution
Bekantan inhabits the rainforests of Kalimantan, the largest island in Indonesia, as an endemic animal. Furthermore, they typically inhabit swamp areas, rivers, and mangrove forests. These semi-aquatic primates possess remarkable swimming abilities.
Swimming Abilities of Proboscis Monkey
One of the surprising aspects for many people is the bekantan’s swimming prowess. While most primates avoid water or only swim in emergencies, bekantan actually enjoys being in the water. They often swim in rivers or swamps in search of food. They can even swim up to 20 meters using their strong legs and long tails to maintain balance.
This swimming ability allows the Proboscis Monkey to access food sources that are inaccessible to other primates. Moreover, they consume leaves, fruits, and aquatic plant shoots. Additionally, their semi-aquatic lifestyle provides them with an advantage in meeting their nutritional needs.
Threats to Proboscis Monkey
Unfortunately, like many other primate species, Proboscis Monkey also faces threats to its survival. Deforestation, hunting, and illegal trading are factors endangering their population. We need to make serious conservation efforts to protect these fascinating primates and guarantee their survival and growth in the wild. Taman Safari Bali offers a conservation area resembling their natural habitat, providing Bekantan a comfortable living space and safeguarding them from extinction.
Let’s support the preservation of this skilled swimmer by visiting and learning more about them at Taman Safari Bali!
