Page 51 - Atlas Of The World's Strangest Animals

PROBOSCIS MONKEY 51

The proboscis monkey’s huge nose is so striking that it’s Due to such a specialized diet, proboscis monkeys and
easy to overlook their other prominent feature – their their relatives are known as leaf monkeys.As leaves aren’t
big bellies! especially nutritious, members of this group must eat a lot
These sociable animals live in troops of up to 40, spending of foliage to stave off hunger.The result is that their
much of their time foraging for food and sleeping.A typical stomachs are so large it’s impossible to tell if the females
day will start with a meal by the water’s edge.They’ll then are pregnant. In fact, the males look pregnant too!
move inland to find a cosy spot where they can doze However, within these big bellies something remarkable is
through the warmest part of the day.As the afternoon going on.To make the most of every mouthful, these
arrives, the troop will gradually drift back to the riverside stomachs are divided into several compartments, and work
where they feed again before night falls. in a similar way to the stomachs of ruminants, like cows.
Proboscis monkeys are mostly folivores and frugivores. In here, bacteria digest cellulose and get rid of the toxins
They eat leaves and unripe fruit. Seeds, flowers, bark and that are contained in many plant foods. (What they can’t
insects will all be eaten in small amounts as they become do, though, is to digest ripe fruit.) This form of digestion is
available through the year. In total, they enjoy around 90 a slow process and the contents of a proboscis monkey’s
species of plant, with a 50:50 mix of leaves and fruit. belly can account for up to a quarter of its body weight!

These big-nosed primates make their homes amongst the tree These distinctive monkeys can move quickly through the
tops of Borneo’s lush mangrove forests, steamy swamps and trees, but they’re just as happy in the water.They are good
water-logged woodlands. swimmers, often swimming between islands.

When wading through shallows, they adopt an upright stance, But even deep waters are no problem for these peculiar
with females carrying babies on their hips to keep them safe. primates, especially if a tasty treat lies on the other bank.

(c) 2011 Marshall Cavendish. All Rights Reserved.