The subject of the third Borneo Portfolio is mainly a family of Proboscis monkeys (Nasalis larvatus). The Borneo Proboscis monkey which inhabits the mangroves is often seen around Balikpapan.
On a river trip one can often see many families. Particularly at dawn and dusk, usually in the distance. Any attempt to get closer and these shy animals quickly flee. It is rare then to catch a Proboscis monkey. Of course one can shoot and shoot at them but this practice has been banned recently by the Dutch Government.
There is of course the dreadful practice of shooting a nursing mother with the aim of getting a young monkey – unfortunately the usual practice amongst certain European hunters- which sees a usually uninjured young monkey torn from dying mother who tries to protect her young right up until the last moment with her body.
The male proboscis monkey shown in Plate I, the structure of whose jaw makes him look like an old man, was caught when seeking refuge from a forest fire in the paraffin factory at Balikpapan.
After two weeks during which he languished in chairs he obtained some relative freedom in my garden. He was extraordinarily good natured, ate with relish, particularly bananas. |
