The study, led by the University of Portsmouth, found that this fast-growing tourism sector where tourists can conveniently reach primates via motor boats is causing stress-related behaviours in monkeys. The research looked at the impact of a single engine motor boat approaching a community of proboscis monkeys, an endangered species living in a remote riparian area (strips of vegetation that border rivers, streams and lakes) in Sabah, Malaysia. Proboscis monkeys are unusual looking with their very long noses, which adds to making them appealing to tourists. The researchers found that frequent visits by such groups, which often involve an unusually high level of noise, caused stress-related behaviours in the primates such as self-scratching, an increased vigilant state, increased levels of aggression and reduced feeding.
— source University of Portsmouth | Apr 25, 2022