Pregnancy and Delivery Behavior of the Proboscis Monkey (Nasalis larvatus Wurmb) in the Bekantan Rescue Center, Sahabat Bekantan Indonesia
Anni NURLIANI1)*,Amalia REZEKI2,3), Siti ISTIQOMAH1), RUSMIATI1), and Ferry F. HOESAIN3)

1Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Lambung Mangkurat University, South Kalimantan 70714, Indonesia
2Department of Biology Education, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Lambung Mangkurat University, South Kalimantan 70123, Indonesia
3Sahabat Bekantan Indonesia Foundation, Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan 70117, Indonesia

Abstract

The proboscis monkey is a long-nosed monkey from Borneo Island that delivers a single offspring after a gestation of five or six months. The pregnancy and delivery behavior of the proboscis monkey, which existed in Bekantan Rescue Center, Sahabat Bekantan Indonesia Foundation, was interesting to be observed to provide scientific information for better understanding and successful reproduction in the future. In the current study, a pregnant female proboscis monkey, approximately ten years old, was observed during the last term of pregnancy and during the delivery period. The unique behavior during pregnancy shown were prone posture, being spoiled, and wanting to be stroked on its stomach. The signs of labor noted were the female appeared to be anxious shortly before the birth and often showed the characteristics of posture, such as standing, squatting, and crouching repeatedly. The birth occurred at 10.00 P.M and with a duration of approximately 30 minutes. The four stages of the delivery process were dilatation of the cervix, delivery, pushing out of the placenta, and recovery. The other delivery behavior was reaching, licking the hand, and consuming the placenta.

Keywords: Behavior, delivery, pregnancy, proboscis monkey

Topic: Zoology