Bekantan (Proboscis Monkey)

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Bekantan (Nasalis larvatus), also known as long-nosed monkey or proboscis monkey is an endemic animal from Kalimantan (Borneo). Bekantan is a monkey that has a special feature of the big long nose and reddish brown hair. Because of its nose, bekantan also known as 'kera Belanda' (Dutch monkey. This long and large nose only found in males. Females prefer males with big nose as their partner.

Bekantan consisting of two subspecies, namely Nasalis larvatus larvatus and Nasalis larvatus orientalist. Orientalis only found in the northeastern part of Borneo Island.

The males are larger than females. They also have a large belly, as a result of the habit of consuming food. Bekantan eats variety of leaves, which produce more gas when digested. This resulted in side effects that create a bulging stomach. A female has around 5-6 months of gestation period, and just gave birth to single pups in a single pregnancy. Bekantan childs will be with their mother until adulthood (age 4-5 years).



Bekantan scattered in the mangroves, marshes and coastal forests on the island of Borneo, in between 10 to 32 monkeys each groups. Despite spending most of his time in the trees, Bekantan can swim very well. Bekantan still can be found in several locations including SM (Suaka Margasatwa=Wildlife Refuge) Pleihari Tanah Laut, SM Pleihari Martapura, CA (Cagar Alam=Nature Reserve) Pulau Kaget, CA Gunung Kentawan, CA Selat Sebuku and Teluk Kelumpang. They can also be found on the outskirts of the Barito River, Negara River, Paminggir River, Tapin River, Bakut Island and Kembang Island. Bekantan is the mascot of South Kalimantan.

Bekantan included in IUCN Red List in conservation status as endangered categories. Bekantan also listed on CITES as Appendix I (should not be traded internationally)