Twin Proboscis Monkeys Born in Rare Event at Pulau Curiak Conservation Site, Indonesia
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| Twin proboscis monkeys born in Pulau Curiak, Barito Kuala, highlight conservation success led by SBI and Dr. Amalia Rezeki in South Kalimantan. |
BANJARMASIN - Two proboscis monkey (bekantan) twins were born in mid-June 2026 at the Camp Tim Roberts research station on Pulau Curiak, Barito Kuala Regency, South Kalimantan, Indonesia, under the monitoring of conservationist Dr. Amalia Rezeki and the Sahabat Bekantan Indonesia (SBI) team.
The newborn twins appeared with typical infant features of proboscis monkeys—small bodies covered in thick black fur and dark blue facial skin. Their appearance will gradually change as they grow, with the fur turning yellow-brown and the distinctive elongated nose developing into adulthood.
The rare birth was first recorded during routine monitoring at the Camp Tim Roberts station, which is managed by Dr. Amalia Rezeki, a biologist from Universitas Lambung Mangkurat (ULM), together with the Sahabat Bekantan Indonesia conservation group.
Amalia, who has spent more than a decade working on proboscis monkey conservation in the area, said twin births among primates are extremely rare. She described the moment as deeply emotional when she saw the twins nursing with their mother.
“We are very grateful and moved. After more than ten years of conservation work here, this is the first time we have seen proboscis monkey twins born in the wild,” she said.
According to her, three proboscis monkey infants have been born in the area this year alone, highlighting a growing population trend in the non-protected habitat zone.
Primatologists note that proboscis monkeys typically give birth to only one infant per pregnancy after a gestation period of five to six months. Infant care is also shared within the group, especially by younger females acting as “helpers.”
The rare event has drawn attention from international researchers. Associate Professor Charles Lee from Singapore said the birth reflects successful conservation efforts, adding that he was moved to tears after hearing the news.
Professor Tim Roberts from the University of Newcastle also praised the long-term conservation work led by Amalia and SBI, calling Pulau Curiak an important refuge within the Barito River ecosystem.
Meanwhile, Dr. Ikki Matsuda from Kyoto University noted that twin births in proboscis monkeys are “extraordinary and worth sharing globally,” as single births are the norm for the species.
From Indonesia, Prof. Hadi Alikodra of IPB University stated that the event indicates a healthy habitat and sufficient food availability in the ecosystem, while stressing the need for continued monitoring of the newborn twins.
Amalia Rezeki said the moment was emotional and historic for her conservation team, while international researchers such as Charles Lee, Tim Roberts, and Ikki Matsuda described the birth as a rare and significant milestone for wildlife conservation.
Pulau Curiak currently hosts 61 proboscis monkeys, a sharp increase from 14 individuals in 2016 when conservation efforts began. More than 50,000 rambai mangrove seedlings have also been planted, expanding the habitat and improving ecosystem stability.
The area is now also contributing to local livelihoods, with fishermen benefiting from increased aquatic resources around the mangrove ecosystem. Authorities in South Kalimantan support developing the site as an eco-tourism destination within the Meratus UNESCO Global Geopark framework.
