07/12/2023
6 Interesting Facts Proboscis Monkey 🤓
1. Proboscis monkeys are only native to one place in the world
Proboscis monkeys are what is known as an endemic species, which means they’re only native to one area in the world.
For the proboscis monkey, they call a single island, Borneo, in Southeast Asia home, which just so happens to be the largest island in Asia – and the third-largest in the world! 🧐
2. They are some of the best swimmers and divers! 🏊♀️
While there are many primates known for their swimming skills, the proboscis monkey takes the cake. It makes sense that they’re some of the best swimmers in the primate family when you consider their home near freshwater. They can even swim underwater!
3. Males and females have different noses
While proboscis monkeys may pick their friends, they don’t pick their noses. Males have long, thick noses, while females’ noses are smaller and more pointed, like a human.
This means that proboscis monkeys have what is known as sexual dimorphism (when males and females of a species look different).
4. Proboscis monkeys change colors as they get older
While it may come as a surprise, baby proboscis monkeys (called infants, just like with humans!) don’t come out looking just like their parents. Not only are their noses smaller, but they also are a completely different color!
When these infants are first born, they tend to be a dark color, either dark brown or even black. However, as they mature, they develop their iconic red hue, with many developing other colors such as grey, blue, and orange as well.
5. Larger noses are considered attractive 🤪
While their noses may look a little funny to us, they’re actually one of the ultimate factors in deciding whether or not a male will mate. Larger noses are associated with dominance in this species and louder calls, and so females are more likely to mate with males with longer noses.
6. Male proboscis monkeys are permanently erect 🤣
They have a bright red p***s and a perpetual er****on, which is unique to this species.
