Which monkey is famous for its large, bulbous nose?

The monkey famous for its large, bulbous nose is the proboscis monkey. Its scientific name is Nasalis larvatus, and it is endemic to the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia.

The enormous nose is most pronounced in adult males, whose noses can exceed 10 centimeters in length and hang below the mouth. Females have smaller noses, while juveniles have upturned noses. Researchers think the male’s nose may help amplify vocal calls, making it important in communication and possibly sexual selection.

Proboscis monkeys live mainly in mangrove forests, riverine forests, and other coastal habitats. Their partly webbed toes help them swim, an unusual adaptation among monkeys. They are also known for their swollen-looking stomachs, caused by a specialized digestive system for processing leaves and other plant material.

The species is sometimes confused with snub-nosed monkeys because both names refer to unusual noses. The distinction is clear: the proboscis monkey has an exceptionally long, pendulous nose, whereas snub-nosed monkeys have short, upturned noses.