'Ugly' animals - Discrimination in Conservation: Proboscis monkey (Nasalis larvatus)
- Finn Holmes-Kellett
- Feb 4, 2021
- 3 min read
Updated: May 1, 2021
Admittedly, many people seem to have particular interest in certain animal species. Don't worry, you're not alone wherever you stand! It is hard not to feel awe and love for all the charismatic species such as big cats and elephants. Sadly, this means that, in regards to general society, the smaller species are often side-lined. This seems to be especially the case for animals deemed as 'ugly'. While being regarded as 'cute' and 'beautiful' can certainly help certain species gain more public attention and, therefore, conservation support, the so-called 'ugly' species are often purposefully ignored. Or given attention for the wrong reasons.
As we go on with these blogs, I'm sure this topic will be covered numerous times, but for now we will focus on a particular animal: the Proboscis monkey. Monkeys seem to have a 50/50 approval rating among the general public. While some view them as an instant favourite due to their intelligence and seemingly mischievous tendencies, others disregard them as 'boring' due to their apparent lack of special features and relation to humans. Throw 'ugliness' into the latter equation and surely you have a recipe for imminent extinction!? Well, not necessarily. Thankfully, many people tend to view 'ugly' animals as cute regardless, or at the very least very fascinating. The Proboscis monkey is no exception here!
Image by Andre Mouton from Pixabay
These monkeys inhabit the tropical rainforests of Borneo, where they subsist largely on tough leaves and fruit. Social by nature, they regularly swim to reach different feeding grounds and join other groups. I can already hear all the jokes being made about their unusual conk, but it actually serves a vital function. The male Proboscis monkey is the one to support this nose (see above), as in the same manner as male elephant seals, it gives a clear indication of sexual maturity and physical fitness. Other monkeys, especially the females, can view this nose and determine if a male is a viable father for their young. This is amplified in that the male can make a louder call based on the size of his nose! Another indication of his size and strength.
These monkeys do much more than simply look interesting though! As fruit eaters, they play a role in seed dispersal for various plant species throughout the ecosystem. Sadly, as is the case for an increasing number of species today, these outstanding primates are facing various threats! Classed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, deforestation for unsustainable palm oil plantations and hunting for food by humans are among the main reasons for their decline. So let's spread the word to help these fascinating simians!
So there you have it folks! Every species, whether ugly or cute, has its own place in the grand scheme of things, with all of them deserving the same amount of respect and protection. If we can continue to increase awareness and interest for the less glamorous of animals, there is still hope for us all!
References: (Because we all learned from somewhere!)
Status and Conservation of Proboscis Monkeys (Nasalis larvatus) in Sabah, East Malaysia (bioone.org)
Comments