Skip to main content

News

International Primate Day 2024

In Sabah, Borneo, there are 13 known primate species, with orangutans being the only great apes besides humans.

01/09/2024

Celebrating primates

International Primate Day is an annual celebration established to help raise awareness for the planet’s primate species and the conservation efforts being made worldwide to protect the declining populations.

Each of them is incredibly unique and all help play an important role in their habitat. Discover more about some of them below!

Among the many characteristics that differentiate them from other primates, great apes are larger and don't have tails.

Orangutans are an ‘umbrella species’ and by protecting orangutans we indirectly protect the many other species that share their habitat.

Bornean Orangutan in the trees with text over the image reading 'critically endangered'

Slow lorises are one of the few known venomous mammals! They use their venom primarily as a defence against predators.

A Bornean Slow Loris on a branch in the trees at night with text over the image reading 'venerable'

Unlike other primates, Horsfield's tarsiers are monogamous, mating with only one partner and performing courtship calls.

Both species help control insect populations in their habitat.

Horsfield's tarsier surrounded by leaves with text over the image reading ' venerable.'

Male Proboscis monkeys have large noses which they use to amplify their calls. They can be as long as 10 centimetres!

Proboscis monkey male and female side by side with the next over top reading 'venerable'

Southern pig-tailed and Long-tailed macaque species live in large social groups across vast areas of their habitats.

Both primates help support regeneration of the rainforest as they disperse seeds.

southern pig tailed macaque sat on top of a orangutan with the text over top of the image reading 'venerable'

Like other primates, female Maroon leaf monkeys are responsible for caring for their infants, staying with them for the first 2 years of their lives.

Maroon leaf monkeys help maintain their habitat through seed dispersal.

Maroon leaf monkey mother and infant on a tree with text over the image reading 'venerable'

Explore more articles

  • A female orangutan with her infant in her arms in the rainforest

    News

    A year in review: 2024

    2024 was a busy and productive year made possible by our incredible supporters and dedicated staff. Here are some of our highlights.