What are the different types of gibbon species?
Gibbon species include the siamang, the white-handed or lar gibbon, and the hoolock gibbons.
What is the size of a gibbon?
Gibbons are small and lightweight monkeys that grow to around 90cm tall and weigh just 7kg. The lightweight body of the gibbons means that the gibbon is able to move around in and leap between the trees.
How many babies does a gibbon have at once?
Most gibbons are monogamous, and breed with the same mate year after year. The female usually gives birth to a single baby, and has a gestation period of approximately seven months. Baby gibbons rely very heavily on their mothers, and she cares for her young until it is about a year old.
What countries do gibbons live in?
Species in the same genus generally live closer to one another geographically. Gibbons live in southern China, Bangladesh, Burma, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Sadly, their range is slowly becoming more restricted because of habitat destruction.
How many gibbons species are there?
There are currently 4 genera and 19 species of gibbons recognized throughout their range.
What is the rarest type of gibbon?
The Hainan gibbonDid you know that the world's rarest primate is actually a gibbon? The Hainan gibbon (Nomascus hainanus) is critically endangered. In fact, this ape is found only in the Bawangling Nature Reserve on Hainan Island, China, located in the South China Sea. There are fewer than 30 individuals left alive.
Is a gibbon an ape or a monkey?
Are gibbons monkeys? No, gibbons are apes. More specifically, they are classified as small apes, because (you guessed it) they are smaller than the great apes — gorillas, chimpanzees, bonobos, orangutans and humans.
What is the smallest gibbon?
Gibbons belong to the Hylobatidae family that comprises 4 subfamilies and 17 species.Hoolock gibbons are the second tallest gibbons. ... Hylobates or dwarf gibbons are the smallest gibbons. ... Nomascus gibbons are also called crested gibbons because of their distinctive hair. ... Symphalangus or Siamang (Symphalangus syndactylus)
What is the most rare monkey in the world?
The world's rarest monkey, Hainan gibbons, are found only on a tropical island named Hainan off the southern coast of China. In 1970, the species had a population of less than ten.
Are Lar gibbons endangered?
Endangered (Population decreasing)Lar gibbon / Conservation status
Can you have a gibbon as a pet?
Generally, it is illegal to import, possess, or sell apes for use as pets; but federally licensed exhibitors (like circuses, zoos, animal acts, and some wildlife sanctuaries), scientific research facilities, and disabled people can freely import, possess, buy, and sell those animals.
Do gibbons like people?
The Gibbon is one animal that doesn't make a nest. This is very unusual for Monkeys or Apes. They also pair off like humans do and will often stay with one partner until they die.
Are gibbons friendly?
The gibbons are also very gentle and will hold your hand - Picture of Monkey Park, Tenerife.
Why is a gibbon not a great ape?
Gibbons are not monkeys. They are part of the ape family and are classified as lesser apes because they are smaller than the great apes. The great apes are bonobos, chimpanzees, gorillas, humans, and orangutans. Gibbons are famous for the swift and graceful way they swing through the trees by their long arms.
How many gibbons are left in the world 2021?
30 leftThe gibbon is the most critically endangered primate on Earth, with only about 30 left.
What is a group of gibbons called?
Gibbons live in small family groups (monogamy). The monogamous social structure is unusual - it occurs in only about 3% of mammals. Groups usually consist of an adult pair and their immature offspring. The group size is 2-6 individuals.
What family is Gibbons in?
This article is about a family of apes. For other uses, see Gibbon (disambiguation). Gibbons ( / ˈɡɪbənz /) are apes in the family Hylobatidae ( / ˌhaɪləˈbætɪdiː / ). The family historically contained one genus, but now is split into four extant genera and 18 species.
What is the color of a gibbon?
Depending on the species and sex, gibbons' fur coloration varies from dark to light brown sha des, and any shade between black and white, though a completely "white" gibbon is rare.
How fast do gibbons move?
Their primary mode of locomotion, brachiation, involves swinging from branch to branch for distances up to 15 m (50 ft), at speeds as high as 55 km/h (34 mph).
How are gibbons identified?
Many gibbons are hard to identify based on fur coloration, so are identified either by song or genetics. These morphological ambiguities have led to hybrids in zoos. Zoos often receive gibbons of unknown origin, so they rely on morphological variation or labels that are impossible to verify to assign species and subspecies names, so separate species of gibbons commonly are misidentified and housed together. Interspecific hybrids, hybrids within a genus, are also suspected to occur in wild gibbons where their ranges overlap. However, no records exist of fertile hybrids between different gibbon genera, either in the wild or in captivity.
What is the vocal element of a gibbon?
They are strongly territorial, and defend their boundaries with vigorous visual and vocal displays. The vocal element, which can often be heard for distances up to 1 km (0.6 mi), consists of a duet between a mated pair, with their young sometimes joining in.
How many genera are there in the Bunopithecus family?
Taxonomy. The family is divided into four genera based on their diploid chromosome number: Hylobates (44), Hoolock (38), Nomascus (52), and Symphalangus (50). There is an extinct fifth genus named Bunopithecus which is either a gibbon or gibbon-like ape.
How long ago did gibbons diverge?
Whole genome molecular dating analyses indicate that the gibbon lineage diverged from that of great apes around 16.8 million years ago (Mya) (95% confidence interval: 15.9–17.6 Mya; given a divergence of 29 Mya from Old World monkeys ). Adaptive divergence associated with chromosomal rearrangements led to rapid radiation of the four genera 5–7 Mya. Each genus comprises a distinct, well-delineated lineage, but the sequence and timing of divergences among these genera has been hard to resolve, even with whole genome data, due to radiative speciations and extensive incomplete lineage sorting. An analysis based on morphology suggests that the four genera are ordered as ( Symphalangus, ( Nomascus, ( Hoolock, Hylobates ))).
How many species are there in the family of gibbons?
Family Hylobatidae (gibbons) 4 genera, approximately 20 species. 1 fossil of a different genus dating from the Pleistocene. Family Hominidae (great apes and humans) 4 genera, 7 African and Eurasian species until human expansion since the Late…. …is an adaptation seen in gibbons.
What are gibbons like?
Gibbons, like the great apes (gorillas, orangutans, chimpanzees, and bonobos), have a humanlike build and no tail, but gibbons seem to lack higher cognitive abilities and self-awareness. They also differ from great apes in having longer arms, dense hair, and a throat sac used for amplifying sound. Gibbon voices are loud, are musical in tone, ...
How big is a gibbon?
Test your knowledge of mammals by taking this quiz. Most gibbon species are about 40–65 cm (16–26 inches) in head and body length, but the siamang ( Symphalangus syndactylus) can grow up to 90 cm (35 inches). The smaller species (both sexes) weigh about 5.5 kg (12 pounds); others, such the concolor gibbon, weigh about 7.5 kg (17 pounds).
Where do hoolock gibbons live?
syndactylus) inhabits the forests of Sumatra and Malaya. The hoolock gibbon ( Hoolock hoolock) is found from Myanmar west of the Salween River into Assam, India, and Bangladesh.
What is the Gibbon voice?
Gibbon voices are loud, are musical in tone, and carry over long distances. The most characteristic vocalization is the “ great call,” usually a duet in which the female leads and the male joins in with less-complex notes, used as a territorial marker by both sexes.
How long does it take for a gibbon to mature?
Single offspring are born after about seven months’ gestation and take seven years to mature. gibbons (family Hylobatidae) Gibbons differ from great apes in a number of physical ways.
Where do white cheeked gibbons come from?
Chinese white-cheeked gibbons ( Nomascus leucogenys) Chinese white-cheeked gibbons ( Nomascus leucogenys) are native to Southeast Asia. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. Gibbons are arboreal and move from branch to branch with speed and great agility by swinging from their arms ( brachiating ).
How big is a Gibbon?
Up to 25 years. Size: 17 to 25 inches. Weight: 9 to 29 pounds. Size relative to a 6-ft man: Gibbons are the animals we think of when we picture primates swinging gracefully through the rain forest.
What is a Gibbon?
Gibbons are monogamous (a rare trait among primates) and live in family groups consisting of an adult pair and their young offspring. The family will stake out a territory and defend it using loud, haunting calls that can echo for miles throughout the forest.
How do gibbons walk?
When gibbons walk, whether along branches or in the rare instances when they descend to the ground, they often do so on two feet, throwing their arms above their head for balance. They are the most bipedal of all non-human primates and are often studied for clues to what evolutionary pressures may have led to human walking.
How fast can a gibbon swing?
Their dramatic form of locomotion, called brachiating, can move gibbons through the jungle at up to 35 miles an hour, bridging gaps as wide as 50 feet with a single swinging leap.
Where do gibbons live?
Different Gibbon Species. There are over a dozen recognized species of gibbons ranging from northeastern India to southern China to Borneo. They are all tailless, and their long coats vary from cream to brown to black. Many have white markings on their faces, hands, and feet.
Is the gibbon endangered?
Their habitat is disappearing at a rapid rate, and they are often captured and sold as pets or killed for use in traditional medicines. Many species of gibbon are listed as endangered or critically endangered.
How many gibbons are left?
The gibbons are also highly susceptible to poaching activities. Thus, the species is labeled as ‘critically endangered’ by the IUCN and has only about 1300 to 2000 individuals left in the wild. 3. Hainan Gibbon.
Where are the most endangered gibbons?
The four most threatened or critically endangered gibbon species are mentioned below. 4. Black Crested Gibbon. The four subspecies of Nomascus concolor are found in parts of Southeast Asia where they are geographically isolated. The range of the species includes China, Vietnam, and Laos with the distribution of the species being discontinuous in ...
How high above sea level are black crested gibbons?
The altitudinal range of the species varies between 2100 and 2400 m above sea level. Since deforestation is widespread in Southeast Asia, the habitat of the black crested gibbon is currently reduced to small patches of forests. The gibbons are also highly susceptible to poaching activities. Thus, the species is labeled as ‘critically endangered’ by ...
Where do the Hainan gibbons live?
The species inhabits broad-leaved and semideciduous monsoon forests on the island. Currently, the species is struggling to survive. Although the historical range of the Hainan gibbon included nearly half of China, the range is now highly restricted to only small parts of the Hainan Island.
Why are gibbons declining?
The species has suffered from massive deforestation in its range. Large parts of the primary forests have been converted to agricultural lands and the remaining parts have been used for the extraction of timber and fuel-wood. Hunting of the gibbon for food and traditional medicine preparation is also another major cause of the decline ...
Where do white cheeked gibbons live?
The gibbons are a group of apes belonging to the Hylobatidae family and include four genera with 18 species. The gibbons occur in the Asian continent where their range spreads across parts of South and Southeast Asia.
What are the causes of the sad state of gibbons?
Poaching, logging, illegal pulp paper plantations, etc., are responsible for the sad state of these gibbons. Traditional Chinese medicines promote the use of gibbon bones. 2. Eastern Black-crested Gibbon. The Nomascus leucogenys is a critically endangered species occurring in Southeast Asia.
Where are gibbons found?
A gray female gibbon at the Assiniboine Zoo in Winnipeg lived to be 50 years old. Now, the zoo is home to a family of white-handed gibbons. Many other zoos throughout Canada have gibbons too. In fact, zoos throughout the world have different gibbon species.
How many gibbons are endangered?
All gibbon species are dwindling. The majority of the 18 species are in danger of extinction. In fact, less than 25 Hainan crested gibbons of the Nomascus genus remain, making this species the most critically endangered primate on earth. Other types that are critically endangered also belong to the Nomascus genus, including:
How fast are gibbons?
Also known as lesser apes as distinct from great apes, gibbons are quick and agile, brachiating through the treetops at speeds up to 35 miles per hour (56 kph). There are 18 distinct species of this arboreal, or tree-dwelling, mammal, including white-handed, slamang, and lar gibbons. The majority of gibbon species are endangered, ...
What is the name of the ape with two toes on each foot?
The hands and feet of these lesser apes are elongated. Each hand has a deep cleft that helps them grip strongly onto branches. The siamang gibbon, which is among the largest types of these apes, has two toes on each foot that are permanently fused together.
What is the song of a gibbon called?
They use sound to locate other gibbons, warn away intruders and woo their mates. The wooing song, often a duet with the intended mate, is known as the great call.
How many babies do a female sailor have?
The female gives birth to a single offspring at a time. They may have as many as six babies over the course of their breeding period. Females in the wild reach sexual maturity around eight years of age while males mature a bit later, around 10 years old. These arboreal mammals take a single mate at a time, but they may change partners once their offspring have grown up.
Do gibbons go on two feet?
They venture to the forest floor only occasionally. Perhaps they need to look for food or flee from another animal in the treetops. When they are on the ground, these lesser apes often travel on two feet, holding their arms above their heads to stay upright. All the gibbon species are vocal.
What are gibbons' characteristics?
However, they do share a number of characteristics. All species have long arms, which they use to swing from branch to branch. Like all apes, gibbons do not have the prehensile tails that monkeys have. Their fur varies in color, and is usually black, gray, or brown, though some species are cream colored.
Where do gibbons live?
Species in the same genus generally live closer to one another geographically. Gibbons live in southern China, Bangladesh, Burma, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
What is the name of the gibbon that has silver tipped fur?
They inflate their gular sacs to make incredibly loud vocalizations. The IUCN lists this species as Endangered. Silvery Gibbon – This species has silver tipped fur, which is where it gets its name. Like many species, the IUCN lists this gibbon as Endangered.
Why are gibbons important?
Gibbons in zoos and rehabilitation centers are important for the survival of the species. Every gibbon that doesn’t live in the wild resides on a Species Survival Plan (SSP). Those working in the SSP choose gibbons who are not closely related to one-another for breeding.
What do gibbons eat?
The vast majority of gibbons feed primarily on fruits. These primates also eat insects, leaves, flowers, shoots, small animals, and more. Each species is different, and their diets vary based on what is available.
How long does it take for a gibbon to reproduce?
The female usually gives birth to a single baby, and has a gestation period of approximately seven months. Baby gibbons rely very heavily on their mothers, and she cares for her young until it is about a year old.
What is the name of the group of primates that live in the day?
The behavior of these primates varies from species to species, but they are primarily social creatures. They live in groups, known as “troops,” and are most active during the day.
Overview
Evolutionary history
Whole genome molecular dating analyses indicate that the gibbon lineage diverged from that of great apes around 16.8 million years ago (Mya) (95% confidence interval: 15.9–17.6 Mya; given a divergence of 29 Mya from Old World monkeys). Adaptive divergence associated with chromosomal rearrangements led to rapid radiation of the four genera 5–7 Mya. Each genus comprises a distinct, well-delineated lineage, but the sequence and timing of divergences amon…
Etymology
The English word "gibbon" is a reborrowing from French and may originally derive from an Orang Asli word.
Taxonomy
The family is divided into four genera based on their diploid chromosome number: Hylobates (44), Hoolock (38), Nomascus (52), and Symphalangus (50). Also, three extinct genera currently are recognised, -Bunopithecus, Junzi, and Kapi.
Family Hylobatidae: gibbons
• Genus Hoolock
Description
One unique aspect of a gibbon's anatomy is the wrist, which functions something like a ball-and-socket joint, allowing for biaxial movement. This greatly reduces the amount of energy needed in the upper arm and torso, while also reducing stress on the shoulder joint. Gibbons also have long hands and feet, with a deep cleft between the first and second digits of their hands. Their fur is usually black, gray, or brownish, often with white markings on hands, feet and face. Some specie…
Behavior
Like all primates, gibbons are social animals. They are strongly territorial, and defend their boundaries with vigorous visual and vocal displays. The vocal element, which can often be heard for distances up to 1 km (0.62 mi), consists of a duet between a mated pair, with their young sometimes joining in. In most species, males and some females sing solos to attract mates, as well as advertise their territories. The song can be used to identify not only which species of gib…
Diet
Gibbons' diets are about 60% fruit-based, but they also consume twigs, leaves, insects, flowers, and occasionally birds' eggs.
Genetics
Gibbons were the first apes to diverge from the common ancestor of humans and apes about 16.8 Mya. With a genome that has a 96% similarity to humans, the gibbon has a role as a bridge between Old World monkeys, such as macaques, and the great apes. According to a study that mapped synteny (genes occurring on the same chromosome) disruptions in the gibbon and human genome, humans and great apes are part of the same superfamily (Hominoidea) with gibbons. T…