Feeding ecology of proboscis monkey, Nasalis larvatus in Garama, Klias Peninsula, Sabah, Malaysia

• Published in: Malayan Nature Journal
• Main Author: Hj Abd Mawah S.S.; Indim D.; Rahman N.A.A.; Syahidah Nadiah Binti Abdull Majid D.G.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Malaysian Nature Society 2015
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85031116184&partnerID=40&md5=bc8c7aa8a6511e84f285396b529e805a

A study on the feeding ecology of Nasalis larvatus was conducted at Garama located in the western part of Sabah. This study was carried out using two methods; general boat survey and feeding data collection. A total of 252 hours observations were made on the focal group of N. larvatus in the study area. The use of the forest canopy level was also been observed, concurrent with the feeding behaviour of this monkey. It showed that N. larvatus used more frequently the middle (5m-10m) and upper canopies (10m-15m). The canopy layer used for feeding activity followed this pattern. Eleven species of plants have been identified as the food preferences for this monkey in Klias Peninsula with Ficus microcarpa as the most preferred plant. The study also showed that this monkey prefer to take young leaves of F. microcarpa rather than mature leaves, shoot, flower, and fruit. This is due to the content of the young leaves which have high water content and lower fibre. The peak time of feeding for N . larvatus is between 0600 to 0700 in the morning and 1530 to 1630 in the late of afternoon. All the findings in this study can contribute to better understanding of feeding behaviour of the proboscis monkeys. Such information is useful to ensure their survival in the wild and in captivity.