Overview
The Myanmar Snub-nosed Monkey (Rhinopithecus strykeri), affectionately known locally as the ‘snubby’ or ‘monkey with an upturned nose,’ was discovered scientifically in 2010 in the rugged mountains of Kachin State, Myanmar. Renowned worldwide for its comical biological quirk—its wide, upturned nostrils collect rainwater during downpours, causing the monkeys to sneeze audibly—this critically endangered colobine is one of the rarest and most localized primates on Earth.
Biology and Physical Characteristics
Rhinopithecus strykeri is cloaked in almost uniform jet-black fur, contrasted strikingly by prominent white tufts on its ears, white facial chin whiskers, and a pale white perineal patch. Its most defining morphological trait is a dramatically flattened, upturned nasal aperture with forward-pointing nostrils and prominent lips. Like other colobines, it possesses a specialized multi-chambered stomach hosting cellulolytic bacteria that ferment fibrous arboreal lichens and tough mountain foliage, enabling survival in harsh snowbound alpine winters.
Behavior and Ecology
Living in small family bands that aggregate into multi-male troops of 60 to 100 individuals, these primates are agile arboreal leapers navigating steep mountain canopies. During heavy monsoon showers, they sit motionless in the upper canopy with their heads tucked tightly between their knees to prevent raindrops from entering their open nasal cavities. Their seasonal movements are vertical, ascending to high-altitude fir forests in summer and retreating to lower temperate valleys during frozen winter months to feed on hanging beard lichens (Usnea).
Conservation and Human Impact
With an estimated wild population of fewer than 300 individuals surviving in Myanmar and fewer than 100 across the border in China, Rhinopithecus strykeri is categorized as Critically Endangered by the IUCN Red List. Heavy commercial logging along border access roads and incidental snaring set for other wild animals have contributed to significant population declines. International partnerships have established protected zones and community ranger patrols that combat illegal cross-border timber trade.
Interesting Factoid
Because its wide, upturned nostrils point directly to the sky, this monkey sneezes continuously when it rains; to avoid choking on rainwater, it spends wet days curled tightly in a ball with its face buried between its knees.
Last updated: October 2026