Wildlife

Proboscis Monkey Welfare: Mangrove and Riverine Forest Loss in Borneo

Proboscis monkeys depend on riverine and mangrove forests in Borneo that are being converted for oil palm and aquaculture, creating acute welfare and conservation pressures.

Key Facts

Proboscis monkeys are restricted to Borneo and are Endangered
They require riverine galleries and coastal mangroves for feeding and roosting
Populations have declined by 50% in 40 years
They are good swimmers and cross rivers regularly — drowning in fish traps is documented

Welfare Considerations

Proboscis monkeys drowning in fish traps in rivers adjacent to cleared land die through acute hypoxia. Deforestation forces groups into smaller, lower-quality habitat fragments where food quality declines and predation risk increases. Road crossings required between fragmented habitats expose the highly arboreal species to vehicle mortality. Riverside buffer strip protection and fish trap modification significantly reduce direct human-caused welfare harms.

What You Can Do

Support WWF Malaysia proboscis monkey conservation
Advocate for riparian buffer strip protection in Borneo land use planning
Donate to Sabah Wildlife Department proboscis monkey monitoring
Choose sustainable seafood products to reduce aquaculture expansion in proboscis habitat