CURRENT PRIMATOLOGY VOLUME I Ecology and Evolution Edited by THIERRY B ANI SON JR ROEDER J.J HERRENSCHMIDT N UNIVERSITE LouIS PASTEUR StrasbourgSelected Proceedings of the XIVih Congress of the International Primatological Society, held in Strasbourg, France, 16-21 August 1992. under the auspices of the Société Francophone de Primatologie. Current Primatology Vol. I: Ecology and Evolution Editors: Thierry B., Anderson J.R., Rocder J.J., Herrenschmidt N. Vol. II: Social Development, Learning and Behaviour Editors: Roeder J.J., Thierry B., Anderson J.R., Herrenschmidt N. Vol. lil: Behavioural Neuroscience, Physiology and Reproduction Editors: Anderson J.R., Roeder J.J., Thierry B., Herrenschmidt N. Published 1994 Scientific Committee Deputte B., Gautier J.P., Gautier-Hion A., Germain G., Hladik M., Mahouy G., Senut B., Vauclair J.. Vereauteren Drubbel R., Warter S. av93 Conservation of proboscis monkeys in the Lower Kinabatangan, Sabah R. Boonratanal, D. S. SHARMA? I Mahidol University. Bangkok, Thailand 2World Wide Fund for Nature Malaysia, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia The proboscis monkey (Nasalis tarvatus) is a large, sexually dimorphic arboreal colobine, endemic to the island of Borneo in South-east Asia. Adult males of this monotypic species weigh an average of 20 kg and have been recorded close to 24 kg. whereas adult females weigh an average of 10 kg (Schulz, 1942; Napier & Napier, 1967). Adult males have an enlarged, pendulous nose that overhangs the mouth. The function of the nose may be to regulate body temperature, but most likely it is a product of sexual selection (Bennet, 1987, 1988a). Proboscis monkeys are limited to Borneo and two islands, Berhala and Sebatik, off the north-east coast (Napier & Napier, 1967; Payne et al., 1985). ‘They are largely restricted to mangrove, riverine and peat swamp forests of the coastal lowlands (Jeffrey, 1979, 1982: Payne et al., 1985; Salter, 1985: Salter & Mackenzie, 1985; Bennet, 1986, 1988b, in press: Bennet & Sebastian, 1988). Proboscis monkey populations are sometimes found much further inland along major rivers (Bennett, 1991). In western Sabah (Fig. 1), the species range is patchy and shrinking (Davies & Payne, 1982; Payne et al., 1985), with small populations on the Klias Peninsula (Kawabe & Mano, 1972; Bennet, 1986, 1991; Scott, 1989) and at the Rampayan River within the Tempasuk Plain (Davies & Payne, 1982: Scott, 1989). In eastern Sabah, proboscis monkeys are commonly found in the extensive swampy coastal plains, especially around Dewhurst Bay and along the Kinabatangan, Segama and Sugut rivers (Davies & Payne, 1982; Payne et al., 1985; Bennett, 1986, 1991; Scott, 1989). This paper provides information on population density, home range and current threats to the species in the Lower Kinabatangan region, Sabah. Study area and methods A study on the ecology and behaviour of Nasalis tarvatus was conducted at Sukau and Abai in the Lower Kinabatangan region from January 1990 to December 1991, The Kinabatangan River is Sabah’s largest river, with a length of 560 km and a catchment area of 16,800 sq. km (Scott, 1989). Its main source of water Is run-off from mountains in the southeastern interior. It94 Boundaries: Political snare Division seoeee State +a4% International us ur Fig. 1, Map of southeast Asia (inset) and Sabah. has a humid tropical climate with an average annual rainfall of about 2.600 mm, and mean diurnal temperatures range from 22° to 32° (Scott, 1989), The region has a complex mixture of natural vegetation (Fig. 2). The deltaic region comprises mangrove forest, and upriver from this is transitional forest, lowland swamp forest and open reed marsh. The principal vegetation types in the floodplain are riverine forest, Ireshwater swamp forest, peal swamp forest and open reed swamps, Beyond the floodplain are lowland dipterocarp forest and limestone outcrops. Nasalis larvatus is highly dependent on waterways and the forests adjoining (hem. Though wide-ranging, the monkeys return to sleep by the rivers every night (Kern, 1964: Kawabe & Mano, 1972; Bennet, 1986, 1991; in press: Bennet & Sebastian. 1988; Yeager, 1989, 1991), Thus by travelling in a boat along the rivers before dusk and at dawn, it is possible to observe most groups. Population surveys began at 16.80 h and usually ended at 18,00 h, The survey was repeated the next morning beginning around 05.45 h following the same route taken the previous evening and ending at about 07.15 h. Monthly river surveys were conducted separatedly by the authors in dilferent tributaries of the Kinabatangan River, s0 as to maximise the area covered. ‘To obtain information on home range, a focal group was followed for a minimum of five 8 @ month for twelve months al Sukau area. Additional data on the focal group's consecutive day96 Results A population of at least 750 animals was observed during 1990 (Bennet & Boonratana, pers. obs.) Combined results from surveys carried out during 1990 and 1991 showed that there are at least 830 animals to be found from Bilit to the estuary. The actual figure, however, could be at least twice thal, because certain areas in the estuary were surveyed to a limited distance due to being blocked by fallen trees, cut logs, debris and water hyacinth. The focal group at Sukau was observed to use an area of not less than 220 ha, with a core area of about 42.5 ha (Fig. 3). The group most likely used a much larger area than this as full-day follows were not always successful. The ranges of different groups extensively overlapped one another. The focal group travelled at least 600 m away from the Kinabatangan and Menanggul Rivers into the lowland dipterocarp forest. Furthermore, they frequently swim across the Menanggul River and occasionally across the Kinabatangan River. Importance of area The Kinabatangan floodplain, measuring approximately 280,000 ha, is the largest and possibly the most important wetland in Sabah. Furthermore, the area has the largest intact mangrove in the state, measuring approximately 40,500 ha (Scott, 1989). It has a high diversity and abundance of wildlife, in particular primates, of which ten species are found in the area, Five are also Bornean endemics, namely the proboscis monkey, red langur (Presbytis rubicunda), Hose’s leaf monkey (Presbytis hosei), Bornean gibbon (Hylobates muelleri) and western tarsier (Tarsius bancanus). The other primates are the orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus), silvered langur (Presbytis cristata), pig-tailed macaque (Macaca nemestrina), long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis) and slow loris (Nycticebus coucang). The Lower Kinabatangan is one of the only two known sites in Asia with ten primate species and one of only two known sites in the world with four sympatric colobines (the other site is the Danum Valley Conservation area in south-east Sabah). Other mammals found here include Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) Sumatran rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis), banteng (Bos javanicus), sambar deer (Cervus unicolor), barking deer (Muntiacus muntjak), Malayan sun bear (Helarctos malayanus), clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa), flat-headed cat (Felis planiceps) and bearded pig (Sus barbatus). Towards the estuary, there are frequent sightings of Irrawady dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris). All eight species of hornbills found in Borneo are resident in the area Three species of endemic Bornean birds occur here: namely the dusky munia97 Fig. 3. All day ranges of focal group at Sukau study area (Jan-Dec 1991). (Lonchura fuscans), Bornean bristlehead (Pityriasis gymnocephala) and blue- headed pitta (Pitta baud’). The ox-bow lakes are important breeding grounds for the Oriental darter (Anhinga melanogaster) and the estuarine crocodile (Crocodylus porosus), both of which are becoming very rare in other parts of northern Borneo. Current threats Habitat destruction is a major threat to the survival of proboscis monkeys in the region. Many different areas of the lowland rainforest have been logged at least once. In the early 1980s, logging of the mangroves in eastern Sabah was widespread, mainly for woodchips. This was banned in early 1987 (Bennett, 1991). The lowland rainforest in the flood-free zone of the lower Kinaga- batangan region is being clear-felled to make way for cocoa and oil palm plantations measuring hundreds to thousands of hectares, and totaling more than 60,000 ha. This threatens not only proboscis monkeys but other forms of98 wildlife, Canals up to 3 km long and 5 m wide have been dug to drain the swampy areas within the plantations into the rivers. This causes serious siltation and lowers the water quality. It is not known how this effects the local fish and prawn industry. Electric fencing is usually placed around the plantations to deter large mammals from damaging the crops. This fencing and drainage undoubtedly disrupt many of the mammals’ ranging patterns, especially species with large ranges, including the proboscis monkey, Sumatran rhineceros, Asian elephant, banteng, sambar deer, barking deer, and bearded pig. Another serious form of habitat destruction in the lower Kinabatangan is small clearings of forest for agriculture and for villages adjacent to rivers where monkey populations occur. Most clearings are made for governement- sponsored farming projects, ranging from 0.5 to 4 ha. Proboscis monkeys used these areas prior to clearance. In the lower Kinabatangan, 98% of the local people are Moslems, who do not hunt probos outsiders from hunting around the estuaries. Furthermore, proboscis monkeys for meat. Occasional visits by pirates discourage monkeys do not raid crops and thus are not considered as pests, Hunting of proboscis monkeys by outsiders from nearby towns for meat, however, was reported in the mangroves of the Sandakan Peninsula. Conservation measures taken In Sabah, the proboscis monkey is a totally protected species under the Fauna Conservation Ordinance of 1963 and its amendments. Presently, how- ever, no viable populations are effectively protected within a Totally Protected Area (Bennett, 1986, 1991) The Kulamba Wildlife Reserve was established in 1984 to protect the wetlands in south-eastern Sabah, but most of the population of proboscis monkeys is outside the reserve (Bennett, 1986, 1991). Probosci: also found in the Kabili-Sepilok Virgin Jungle Reserve, but again much of the population is found outside the reserve (Bennett, 1991). Small populations are protected in the Danum Valley and Gunung Lutong Conservation Areas, but it is likely that they range out of these areas (Bennett, 1991). monkeys are A Lower Kinabatangan Park, covering an area of 48,000 ha has been proposed to provide protection to wildlife, particularly populations of proboscis monkeys, orangutans, elephants, oriental darters, and estuarine crocodiles. The proposed park would also serve to protect freshwater99 fisheries of economic importance, besides offering nature tourism and other recreational outlets. ‘The shape and size of the proposed park, however, are far from adequate to protect viable populations there. Much of the area having monkey populations is not included in the proposal. Conclusion The proboscis monkey {s a highly unusual species belonging to a monotypic genus, and is endemic to Borneo. Its decreasing populations merit special conservation measures. Its distribution is limited to the riverine, peat swamp and mangrove forests of the coastal lowlands which are vanishing at an alarming rate. Though a protected species, most populations are found outside protected areas. Protecting the species without protecting its habitats will not guarantee its survival. Thus, the lower Kinabatangan region needs to be effectively protected and managed. Such conservation areas will conserve many other important species and offer many other long term benefits to Sabah, such as tourism and fisheries. Acknowledgments ‘The authors wish to acknowledge Datuk Wilfred Lingham, the Permanent Secretary of the Sabah Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Development, and Mr. Mahedi Andau, the Director of the Sabah Wildlife Department, for permission to conduct the study and for their enthusiastic support. We are grateful to Ms. Jumrafiah Abd. Shukor, Wildlife Officer, Mr. Sundang Sarim, Senior Wildlife Ranger and the staff of the Sandakan Wildlife Department for their help. Funding for the study was provided by Wildlife Conservation International, the conservation research division of the New York Zoological Society. The senior author gratefully acknowledges Wildlife Conservation International and the Organising Committee of the XIVth Congress of the International Primatological Society for providing travel funds to attend this Congress. Drs. E.L. Bennett and W.Y. Brockelman kindly commented on the manuscript References Bennett, E.L. (1986). 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