The Proboscic Monkey

Animalia

The proboscis monkey is found only on the remote island of Borneo.  The most striking feature of this species is the large nose of the male (the female has a slightly smaller nose). The purpose of the large nose in males is unclear -- it may be a result of sexual selection by females preferring males with large noses, it may also assist in enhancing vocalizations by acting as an organ of resonance, and it has also been suggested that the nose aids in radiating excess body heat.

Another notable feature of the proboscis monkey are its webbed fingers, which are suspected to be an adaptation for swimming.  In fact, if there's no other opportunity to escape from predation or threat, proboscis monkeys will drop themselves into the water even from high branches. They are very skilled swimmers and divers.

Proboscis monkeys live almost exclusively in mangrove forests near fresh water. They can also be found in lowland rainforest. They seem to depend on mangroves near rivers edges for resting and sleeping. Areas around human settlements are completely avoided.

Protected for a while by the inaccessibility of its habitat (mangrove swamps), technological advances have made clear-cutting of mangroves increasingly feasible. This logging has caused habitat reduction and a decline in monkey populations.  Currently, proboscis monkeys are considered an endangered species.