What kind of animal is a gibbon? We will explain its characteristics, ecology, and habitat. White-handed gibbons are introduced at animal parks, but this species is mainly distributed from East Asia to Southeast Asia. As the name suggests, it is characterized by its long forelimbs, but this subspecies is actually an endangered species.
What is a gibbon? About basic status
Gibbons are a family of monkeys that belong to the order Primates and family Gibbonidae. The scientific name is Hylobatidae. The size varies depending on the subspecies, but most have a total length of 40-60 cm and a weight of 4-6 kg. The list of information is as follows. This is an animal that can be seen in picture books, so if you have time, check it out.
| Japanese（和名） | テナガザル |
| English（英名） | Gibbon |
| scientific name(学名) | Hylobatidae |
| classification（分類） | Mammalia、Primate、 Hylobatidae 哺乳綱、霊長目、テナガザル科 |
| IUCN Status(保全状況) | ENDANGERED |
| Length（体長） | 40～60cm |
| Weight（体重） | 4～6kg |
About classification
There are many subspecies of gibbon. This is a quote from Wikipedia. The hoolocks consist of the genus Hoolock, the genus Hylobates, the genus Nomascus, and the genus Symphalangus. There are many monkeys that prefer tropical habitats, such as white-handed gibbons.
- Hoolock hoolock ニシフーロックテナガザル Western hoolock gibbon
- Hoolock leuconedys ヒガシフーロックテナガザル Eastern hoolock gibbon
- Hylobates agilis アジルテナガザル Agile gibbon
- Hylobates albibarbis ボルネオシロヒゲテナガザル Bornean white-bearded gibbon
- Hylobates klossii クロステナガザル Kloss’s gibbon
- Hylobates lar シロテテナガザル White-handed gibbon
- Hylobates moloch ワウワウテナガザル Silvery gibbon
- Hylobates muelleri ミュラーテナガザル Müller’s Bornean gibbon[2]
- Hylobates pileatus ボウシテナガザル Pileated gibbon
- Nomascus concolor カンムリテナガザル Crested gibbon
- Nomascus gabriellae キホオテナガザル Red-cheeked gibbon
- Nomascus hainanus ハイナンテナガザル Hainan gibbon
- Nomascus leucogenys キタホオジロテナガザル Northern white-cheeked gibbon
- Nomascus nasutus カオヴィットカンムリテナガザル Cao-vit crested gibbon
- Nomascus siki ミナミホオジロテナガザル Southern white-cheeked gibbon
- Symphalangus syndactylus フクロテナガザル Siamang
About habitat
Its wild habitat is distributed from East Asia, including China, to Southeast Asia (Indonesia, the Malay Peninsula, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Thailand).
- Geographic Distribution
Gibbons are primates that live in the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia. The main distribution areas are as follows:
Indochina Peninsula: Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam
Malay Peninsula: Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore
Indonesia: Sumatra, Borneo (Kalimantan), Java, Sulawesi
Other Islands: Bali and other small islands
- Habitat
Main habitat: The canopy layer (the upper part of the forest) of tropical rainforests
Prefers forests with dense trees and vines
Living in the trees, they rarely descend to the ground
Elevation ranges from lowlands to mid-mountainous areas (approximately 0-2000 m)
- Relationship between Behavior and Habitat
Completely arboreal (especially red gibbons, who live mainly in the canopy layer)
Movement by hanging from trees using their long arms (brachiation)
Move widely within the forest in search of fruit, leaves, flowers, and insects
Highly territorial, they communicate through vocalizations and movements to defend their territory
feature is? What kind of creature is it?
The most distinctive characteristic of gibbons is the length of their forelimbs. Among modern hominoids, it is small, with forelimbs about 1.7 times longer than hind limbs. Gibbons prefer tropical rainforests and live in trees. Gibbons are known for their singing, and the male and female couples take turns shouting and singing to each other. It also has the meaning of claiming territory against other groups.
- Physical Characteristics
Body Type: Slender and agile, with very long limbs
Arm Length: Approximately 1.5 to 2 times the body length, ideal for brachiation
Weight: Approximately 4 to 12 kg (varies by species)
Body Length: Approximately 40 to 70 cm (no tail)
Coat Color: Varies by species
Various colors, including black and white, black, brown, and pale yellow
The face is hairless, allowing for clear facial expressions
- Limb and Locomotion Characteristics
Long Arms: Excellent for hanging from tree branches
Legs are relatively short, better suited to arboreal locomotion than ground locomotion
Tailless: Uses arms for balance, not tail, and moves by hanging
- Diet
Mainly frugivorous (fruit)
Also consumes small amounts of leaves, flowers, buds, and insects
Forages by moving through the fruit-rich canopy
- Behavior/Lifestyle
Completely arboreal
They use their long arms to swing between trees (brachiation)
They live in the upper reaches of the forest and rarely descend to the ground
They often live in monogamous family groups
What is your personality like?
As gibbons grow older, they become more wary. They are also social animals who value discipline. Therefore, they live and travel in groups such as families rather than alone.
- Active and Dexterous
Using their long arms to navigate freely through the trees, they have excellent athletic ability.
They excel at jumping and swinging in trees, and they also have a playful side.
- Timid and Cautious
In the wild, they are highly wary of humans and predators.
If they sense danger, they will quickly hide in trees or branches.
- Social and Territorial
They often live in monogamous family units (pairs or parent-child pairs).
They mark their territory with calls and movements.
They communicate using “duet calls,” especially in the morning and evening.
They can be aggressive towards individuals outside their group.
- Gentle but Territorial
Gentle and cooperative within the family.
They are sensitive and can be aggressive when it comes to territory and pair relationships.
What is the ecology like?
Gibbons mainly eat fruits, leaves, and flowers, as well as insects. There is no specific breeding season and the gestation period is 7 months. They are monogamous and can have one litter at a time. Males also help with child rearing, and the young are nursed for about two years. Their lifespan is about 25 to 40 years, and the longer they live in captivity.
- Living Environment
Completely arboreal (canopy layer)
Movement mainly by brachiation, climbing tree branches
Rarely descends to the ground
Habitat: Tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia, from lowlands to altitudes of approximately 2,000 m
- Diet
Mainly frugivorous (fruit)
Also consume small amounts of leaves, buds, flowers, bark, and insects
Move while searching for food in the upper forest
Foraging range is relatively wide, with a daily range of approximately 1-2 km
- Breeding and Rearing
Breeding: Approximately once a year (varies by region and species)
Gestation Period: Approximately 7 months
Litter Size: Usually 1
Mothers raise their young for 1-2 years, teaching them how to move and eat in the trees
Pairs live together for long periods of time, and parent-offspring relationships are strong
- Social Structure
Family unit (pair + offspring) They live in a diurnal habitat.
They maintain their territories and pair relationships through vocalizations.
They often duet with their pairs, especially in the morning and evening.
They minimize contact with other individuals and protect their territories.
- Movement and Activity
They move by swinging along branches (brachiation).
They are diurnal.
They change their range daily depending on the distribution of fruit.
They are sensitive to deforestation and human activity and are highly cautious.
Are there any natural enemies?
Their natural enemies include gibbons, tigers, leopards, clouded leopards, Asian golden cats, and dholes, so they must always be on guard against their enemies.
About baby gibbons
This article provides detailed information about baby gibbons (Hylobatidae).
- Birth and Body Size
Litter Size: Usually 1 pup
Weight: Approximately 400-600 g at birth (varies by species)
Body Length: Approximately 30-40 cm at birth
Fur is thin, light brown or gray, and not yet as vibrant as adult fur.
Eyes are large and develop to cling tightly to their mother.
- Growth
Nursing Period: Approximately 6-12 months of breastfeeding
Cubs are held on their mother’s back or chest and learn to move and live in trees.
Independence: By around 1 year of age, they are able to navigate and eat independently to some extent.
Sexual Maturity: 3-5 years, depending on species and environment.
- Behavior
Living closely with their mother or family mate
Learns how to move in trees (brachiation)
Learns how to forage for fruit and leaves by imitating their mother
Playful, practicing jumping from branch to branch
- Personality and Behaviors
Cubs They are curious and playful.
However, they are also very cautious and will cling to their mothers if they sense danger.
They learn social skills through trusting relationships with their mothers and mates.
- Caution (Dangers to Young Animals in the Wild)
There is a risk of falls and predators (such as large birds of prey).
Deforestation and human proximity can reduce their survival rate.
Is the gibbon an endangered species?
Some subspecies of gibbons are already listed as endangered species. Due to large-scale deforestation, the habitat of many individuals is rapidly decreasing. Particularly in Southeast Asia, where development is progressing rapidly, habitat destruction is quite serious. Some species are also listed in the Washington Convention.
- Conservation Status (IUCN Red List)
Many species of the gibbon family are classified as Endangered (EN) or Vulnerable (VU).
Examples:
Red gibbon (Hylobates agilis): VU (Near Threatened)
Black gibbon (Hylobates klossii): EN (Endangered)
White-handed gibbon (Hylobates lar): EN (Endangered)
- Causes of extinction
Deforestation
Logging of rainforests, agricultural development, and plantation development
Habitat fragmentation leading to population isolation
Poaching and pet trade
Young animals are sometimes captured for pets or as ornamental animals
Conflict with human activities
Stress due to road construction and human proximity
Food shortages and increased risk of predators
- Conservation Activities
Habitat protection in national parks and protected areas
Reforestation projects
Regulation of illegal capture and pet trade
Can gibbons be kept as pets?
Some subspecies of gibbons are designated as endangered species, so breeding them is extremely difficult. We recommend that you check out the information provided at zoos and events.
- Legally Prohibited
International Regulations
Gibbons are listed in Appendix I or II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
→ International trade is generally prohibited or strictly controlled.
In Japan
Subject to the Act on Conservation of Species and the Act on Welfare and Management of Animals.
It is virtually impossible for individuals to keep them as pets.
Keeping is permitted only in facilities with special permission, such as zoos and research institutions.
→ Illegal keeping or trading is subject to penalties.
- Ecologically, they are not suitable for keeping as pets.
They are completely arboreal and require large, three-dimensional spaces.
They travel long distances per day and have a strong desire for exercise.
They have a highly developed intelligence and social skills.
In cramped environments, they are prone to severe stress, self-harm, and aggression.
- Personality and Behavioral Issues
Adults are extremely strong.
They are highly territorial and pose a risk of biting.
Their loud calls (duet calls) are a serious problem in residential environments.
- Ethical Issues
In the pet trade,
parents are often killed and only young animals are captured.
This is an international issue due to its direct link to the decline in populations of endangered species.
コメント