Bekantan

Bekantan or long-nosed monkey (Nasalis larvatus), is a monkey endemic to Borneo in Indonesia. Their unique feature is the long nose they have, where bekantan are the mascots of Dufan (a theme park in Jakarta at the coast). Bekantan can be found living in mangroves, such as the riverine type where a river can be found within the forest.

The bekantan dominantly eat leaves from trees of the mangrove forest, and they would also eat the fruits. Their favorite food is the plant species Sonneratia sp. in which they like to eat the leave bud. Aside food, they also need a source of water that is why they can be found in mangroves with a riverine type.

Bekantan is an endangered species making it a protected species. They are threatened by the decrease of their habitat the mangrove forest, and caught to be sold as pets due to their unique long nose. They also have natural predators such as snakes and crocodiles. Not much is known about this monkey’s role in the ecosystem, but it is thought like any other primate that they help in spreading out seeds in the mangrove forest.

Reference:

Sinaga E., Setia T.M., Saribanon N., Makur K.P., Wicaksono G., Wigatiningrum T., Koritelu M.C. 2015. Konservasi Bekantan Berbasis Masyarakat di Pulau Bunyu. Jakarta: Sekolah Pascasarjana Universitas Nasional Press.