Proboscis monkey's big nose boosts vocal identity

A new study shows how nose shape creates resonant frequencies that allow individuals to be recognised

- Stuart Blackman

NEW RESEARCH SUGGESTS THAT THE fleshy, pendulous noses of male proboscis monkeys - the biggest of any primate - are distinguishing features in more ways than one.

The noses of these potbellied monkeys, found only in Borneo, are particularly pronounced in mature males, and previous research has shown they serve as a visual signal of dominance that attracts females and deters rival males without physical aggression. It also amplifies the 'bray' calls males emit through the nose while keeping their mouths closed.

But biologists in Japan have now found evidence of another function for this formidable facial feature. As described in the