BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
AN ENDEMIC species of primate to Borneo and Karimata, the Red Leaf Monkey – locally known as Meragang – is being threatened by poaching activities.
According to the UBD Wildlife Club, the Meragang is a very elusive and shy creature and can only be found in remote areas. Sightings of the animal near human settlements are uncommon.
Most locals believe the meat of the Meragang possesses traditional remedial properties.
Aside from poaching, rearing of the species by exotic pet collectors is also endangering the Red Leaf Monkeys as they become deprived of young leaves, seeds and some pulpy fruits which can only be found in their natural habitat.
Deforestation activities to make way for oil palm plantations in Borneo is also slowly causing a decrease in the number of this species.
The reminder from the club comes after recent sightings of the monkey during field trips in Temburong, Tutong and Belait districts.
On top of being one of the six to eight primate species found in Brunei, it is also one of the rarest. The monkeys live in trees and are diurnal.
The club explains that the species has groups who have home ranges that overlap with others, despite having a central area where they sleep in.
The size of a home range is dependent on group size. The Red Leaf Monkeys are territorial and chase other groups away.
They also live in unimale (single male) groups with one or more females, subadults, juveniles and infants.
Males generally disperse after adolescence and will travel alone or in male-only groups before finding their own unimale group.
Females are not known to be dominant and only give birth to a single offspring.
The UBD Wildlife Club is a sister club of 1stopbrunei Wildlife Club, and comprise of young passionate scientists.
The Brunei Times
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