JAN 06, 2020

Every River Leap a Proboscis Monkey Makes Could be its Last

WRITTEN BY: Anthony Bouchard

Leaves are one of the most essential components of a proboscis monkey’s diet, and in some cases, getting to the tastiest leaves means taking an enormous leap of faith and crossing crocodile-infested rivers to get to the other side.

When it comes to proboscis monkeys, the alpha females lead the pack. Males are often hesitant to make such bold moves, but after the alpha female kicks things off, the males are quick to follow. Other members of the troop keep watch for potential threats in the meantime.

After the proboscis monkeys leap into the river, the sound from their splash can be heard by predators from up to 200 meters away. Hungry crocodiles are often the first to follow the sound, looking for an opportunity to snag something tasty to eat.

Unlike many other monkey species, the proboscis varieties are particularly good swimmers. It’s an innate talent made possible by their webbed feet, which help them move quickly in bodies of water to avoid unwanted predation.

Related: Watch these monkeys' heartbreaking reactions after they believe that a troop member has died