The resilient “Skywalker” gibbon lives deep in the canopy of Myanmar’s rich jungles. This amazing primate, first spotted along the border between China and Myanmar in 2017, has fascinated scientists with its ability to thrive in extreme adversity.
Once rare in Yunnan Province of China, new findings reveal a flourishing gibbon population within Myanmar. This discovery gives hope to the animal conservation team and highlights the limitless ability of life to endure and flourish in the face of adversity.
What factors threatened the gibbon with extinction?
The main threat to gibbons is sudden weather changes due to climate change. These monkeys are extremely sensitive; they feel the weather changes more than most animals. This greatly affects how they move, behave, and find food. Findings show they are less likely to disappear from an area when the climate gets colder than other animals.
However, they struggle even more when it gets warmer. Another contributing factor is the rapid loss of habitat or disruption. This tells how important it is to understand how climate change affects different animals significantly. In addition, there are other critical factors to consider that contribute to their extinction:
- Illegal logging
- Mining
- Poaching
- Power lines
4 types of gibbons
In terms of species, there are 20 distinct notable species of gibbons, and they are classified into four types of genera. A family tree distinguishes one species’ unique qualities by testing its karyotypes from one another species. Here are the four remarkable types known today:
1. Hoolock
The Hoolock gibbon has three species that belong to the Hoolock genus. These primates have long been flourishing in the rich forests of the following regions:
- Southwest China
- Northeast India
- Eastern Bangladesh
- Myanmar
Hoolock gibbons are listed as the second largest primate behind Siamang gibbons. Usually, its size goes between 60 and 90 cm, weighing around 6-9 kg or approximately 20 lbs. You will be amazed by the male’s appearance, which shows striking white brows and a black body.
In contrast, females have greyish-brown fur, but appear darkened in the chest and neck portion. The females also have white rings around their eyes and mouth, presenting a mask-like feature. From their discovery until now, data shows that 200 Hoolock gibbons thrive in Myanmar’s diverse jungles. These jungles are as follows:
- Kachin
- Saggaing
- Magway
- Rakhine
- Irrawaddy
- Shan
- Kayar states
2. Hylobates
This genera or genus is the most widespread among the other three classifications. It is called “Forest Walker” because of its distinct agile body structure. The rich population of this kind is distributed among the dense tropical forests of many countries like:
- Bangladesh
- Northeast India
- Southern Yunnan China
- Western and Central Java
Moreover, among other genera, Hylobates are the smallest; no wonder they are regarded as a “Forest Walker” due to their incredible mobility in the trees. Their weight is typically just 5 kg, regardless of the sex, with daring facial markings and dark hands. Hylobates also have the densest fur, making them more recognizable than other genera.
3. Nomascus
The Nomascus is endemic to Laos, Vietnam, and Southern China. It is also widely known as a white-cheeked gibbon due to its unique facial patches. They prefer to live in subtropical rainforests, specifically near rivers.
This kind of gibbon exhibits no sexual key differences in weight or resemblance. Males and females average 5.7 kg, and their lengths range from 45 to 63 cm. Upon reaching maturity, the cheeks of females turn cream from their naturally white color.
There are no critical distinctions regarding age maturity for all four gibbon classifications. Studies from captives and wild gibbons suggest their maturity is between 6 and 8 years.
4. Symphalangus
These are the largest among all gibbons. They are also known by their local name, “Siamang.” They have inhabited the most deadly forest in the world for centuries, making them truly resilient. Below are forests where these creatures live:
- Indonesia
- Malaysia
- Thailand
In addition, both sexes of Siamang have notable flat crowns and unique inflatable-like throat pouches. Males can weigh 11.9 to 12.8 kg, while females range from 10.5 to 10.7 kg.
How do gibbons help the environment?
Gibbons are arboreal creatures, meaning they solely inhabit trees. Their diet is mostly frugivorous, consisting of fruits, leaves, seeds, nuts, and flower buds. Their feeding habits make them important contributors to forest regeneration, as they play a key role in dispersing seeds, helping to maintain the biodiversity and health of wild habitats.
What efforts are needed to save the gibbon population?
Myanmar’s Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) plays a crucial role in conservation efforts by providing technical support to local governments. Through this support, WCS helps establish and expand protected areas essential for gibbons’ survival across their habitats.
In addition, WCS conducts regular technical training sessions for forest rangers and park management authorities to safeguard gibbon habitats and prevent killings. Meanwhile, WCS staff in Asia actively monitor threats, including illegal trade.
Initiatives are underway to encourage local communities to refrain from deforestation through collaborative efforts with Myanmar’s regional governments. These efforts aim to raise local awareness about the importance of preserving forests and the habitats they provide for wildlife, including gibbons.
Through collaborative conservation efforts and community engagement, people can safeguard gibbons’ habitats, ensuring a flourishing future where these resilient creatures can thrive harmoniously in their natural setting.
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