Proboscis monkeys are endemic to Borneo and highly dependent on coastal and riparian forests that are being cleared for agriculture, creating acute welfare and conservation challenges.
Proboscis monkey welfare is acutely threatened by habitat destruction. These forest specialists cannot adapt to degraded or agricultural habitats and face effective landscape-level exclusion as Borneo coastal forests are cleared. Isolated forest fragments cannot support viable proboscis monkey groups. Palm oil expansion is the primary driver. Choosing certified sustainable palm oil that excludes deforestation of primate habitat, supporting conservation concessions that protect remaining coastal forest, and advocating for stronger enforcement of Indonesia and Malaysia deforestation regulations directly address proboscis monkey welfare.