HYLOBATES (GIBBON)

Contents hide

1) Introduction

2) Classification of Hylobates (Gibbon)

3) Geographical distribution

4) Habit and habitat

5) General Characteristics of Hylobates (Gibbon)

6) Ecological Importance

7) Conservation Status

8) Special features

9) Identification

Introduction

Hylobates is a genus of small apes known as gibbons, commonly referred to as “lesser apes” due to their smaller size compared to great apes like gorillas and chimpanzees. Native to Southeast Asia, gibbons are arboreal primates renowned for their extraordinary agility, long arms, and melodious vocalizations. They are primarily found in tropical and subtropical rainforests, where they play crucial roles in maintaining ecological balance.

Classification of Hylobates (Gibbon)

Phylum :- Chordata (Dorsal tubular nerve cord, notochord and gill-slits present.)
Group :- Craniata (Definite head, Cranium with brain present.)
Sub phylum :- Vertebrata (Vertebral column present.)
Division :- Gnathostomata (Jaws and paired appendages present.)
Super Class :- Tetrapoda (Paired limbs, lungs, cornified skin and bony skeleton.)
Class :- Mammalia (Body covered with hairs. Females have mammary glands.)
Order :- Primates (Head turns easily on neck.)
Family :- Hylobatidae
Genus :- Hylobates

Geographical distribution

South East Asia and Malaya Archipelago.

Habit and habitat

Chiefly arboreal, found in rain forests upto 71,000 feet. Strongly territorial. Rarely descend to ground.

General Characteristics of Hylobates (Gibbon)

Commonly called as gibbon.
Body slender, thickly furred and tailless.
Height 3 feet. Body divided into head, neck, trunk.
Head contains sunkes orbit (eyes) flat nose and black face with mouth.
Prominent callous pads on buttocks.
Gibbons are known for their remarkable calls. Male and female differ in colours.
Male basically fawn. Female brownish.
Forelimbs and hind limbs well developed. Forelimbs are long and Gibbons swing around trees with great speed.
Female produces young one after every 2 years. Gestation period 7 months.
On ground they walk on their hindlegs slowly but they seldom descend from trees.

Ecological Importance

Seed Dispersal: Gibbons consume a diet rich in fruits, and their movement through the forest helps disperse seeds over large areas, promoting forest regeneration and biodiversity.
Maintaining Forest Dynamics: By feeding on leaves and insects, gibbons influence plant growth and contribute to the balance of forest ecosystems.
Indicator Species: As sensitive inhabitants of dense forests, the presence or absence of gibbons is an indicator of forest health and biodiversity.
Trophic Role: Gibbons serve as prey for larger predators like leopards, eagles, and pythons, playing a role in the food chain.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List Status:
Many species within the Hylobates genus are listed as Endangered or Critically Endangered, primarily due to habitat loss and hunting. For example:

The lar gibbon (Hylobates lar) is listed as Endangered.
The Bornean white-bearded gibbon (Hylobates albibarbis) is Endangered.

Threats to Gibbons:

Deforestation: Logging, agricultural expansion, and infrastructure development lead to habitat destruction.
Illegal Wildlife Trade: Gibbons are often captured for the pet trade or killed for bushmeat.
Climate Change: Alterations in climate patterns affect the availability of their food sources.

Conservation Efforts:

Protected Areas: Many gibbons live in national parks and wildlife reserves where they receive legal protection.
Rehabilitation Programs: Rescue centers work to rehabilitate and release gibbons affected by illegal trade.
Community Engagement: Conservation organizations educate local communities about the ecological importance of gibbons.
International Collaboration: Global initiatives like CITES regulate the trade of gibbons to prevent exploitation.

Special features

Prominent animal of Zoological gardens. Extremely noisy. They howl, bark and cry
Brachiation: Gibbons are unparalleled in their ability to swing from branch to branch using their long arms, a form of locomotion called brachiation. This adaptation allows them to travel rapidly and efficiently through dense forests.
Territorial Singing: Gibbons are known for their loud, melodious songs, often performed as duets by mating pairs. These vocalizations help establish territory and strengthen pair bonds.
Monogamous Social Structure: Most gibbons form long-term monogamous pairs, a rare trait among primates. They live in small family groups comprising a mating pair and their offspring.
Adaptations for Arboreal Life: Their lightweight bodies, long fingers, and strong shoulders make them perfectly adapted to life in the trees.
Distinctive Fur Patterns: Each species of Hylobates exhibits unique fur coloration and patterns, ranging from creamy white to dark brown or black, often with contrasting facial markings.