Gibbon
Conservation Center
About Gibbons
Gibbons are small, arboreal apes distributed in the wild in the
tropical and
subtropical rainforests of Southeast, South, and East Asia. They are
currently found in small populations in China, Laos, Vietnam,
Cambodia, Thailand, Bangladesh, NE India, Myanmar, Malaysia, and
Indonesia. Most countries consider them to be endangered, and they
are threatened primarily by loss of their forest habitat. Other
factors contributing to their demise include the illegal wildlife
trade, the use of their body parts in the manufacture of traditional
medicines, and poaching.
Gibbons are classified in the Kingdom Animalia, Phylum Chordata, Subphylum Vertebrata, Class Mammalia, Order Primates, Superfamily Hominoidea (Gray, 1825) and Family Hylobatidae.
Gibbons
have long fascinated scientists and lay people because of their
agility in the forest tree tops. Gibbons are excellent brachiators
(arm-swingers), and this is one reason they make popular zoo
exhibits. In the wild, gibbons live in nuclear families consisting
of a mated pair and their dependent offspring. The family unit
occupies a territory, and they defend its boundaries by a vigorous
vocal and visual display. The vocal display consists of a
spectacular, bird-like duet between the mated pair, with the young
occasionally joining in. This vocalization, or song, is audible for
long distances and is the primary way scientists (and poachers)
locate wild populations. This haunting melody has become part of the
folklore of the indigenous people of Southeast, South, and East
Asia.
There are 15 living gibbon species, whose coloration range from cream to brown, gray and black. In some species the males and females have a sex-specific coloration. The color of infants of some species are different from the adults. The 15 species are categorized in 4 genera: Nomascus, Symphalangus, Hoolock, and Hylobates
Native to the dwindling rain forests of Southeast, South, and
East Asia, gibbons are arboreal and considered to be among the
world's greatest acrobats. They have the ability to swing from tree
to tree distances of 50 feet, at speeds of up to
35
mph, while in trees 200 feet above the ground. This mode of
locomotion--swinging under branches while suspended by their
hands--is called brachiating. Gibbons are one of the few monogamous
primates, and whether on the ground or in the trees, they are known
for their dexterity and ability to walk upright. Often referred to
as the "songbirds" of the primate family and the most musical land
mammal, gibbons can project their voices up to 2 miles through the
dense rainforest canopy. Unfortunately, their natural habitat is
being destroyed at the alarming rate of 32 acres per minute! This
destruction shall guarantee the disappearance of their melodious
songs as well.
SOME GIBBON SPECIES ARE ON THE VERY BRINK OF EXTINCTION!