Having frequented the non-hunting area of Khao Pra Thaeo in Tha Lang, Phuket, I have come to admire the breathtaking jungle with its diverse plant and animal life. My love for this area has inspired me to take action to preserve it. Hence, I have chosen to support the conservation of gibbons, recognizing their role in fostering the jungle’s growth and vitality.
Gibbons, small arboreal apes found in Southeast Asia, are classified under the Family Hylobatidae. They live in tropical and subtropical rainforests, inhabiting territories with their nuclear families. With 21 species categorized into 4 genera, they exhibit a range of coloration and unique physical characteristics, including a ball and socket joint in their wrists that enables efficient movement. Gibbons’ distinctive vocal displays, resembling a bird-like duet, are renowned, serving as a key feature in their folklore. Unfortunately, their populations are threatened by factors such as habitat loss, the wildlife trade, and poaching for traditional medicines and meat.
Gibbons, the acrobatic primates native to South and Southeast Asia’s diminishing rainforests, exhibit remarkable swinging abilities, covering up to 50 feet at speeds of 35 mph, even 200 feet above the ground. Their unique way of swinging, known as brachiating, highlights their agility. Despite habitat destruction at an alarming rate of 32 acres per minute, gibbons continue to thrive in the tropical rainforests across South and Southeast Asia, including regions from India to Borneo and Sumatra. Most gibbons are monogamous, showcasing exceptional dexterity both in trees and on the ground. Known as the “songbirds” of the primate family, their voices can carry for up to 2 miles through the dense rainforest canopy.
Gibbons are crucial for forest health as they aid in seed dispersal. Sadly, they are the most endangered primates due to habitat loss and hunting. Poaching remains a significant threat, with their bones used in traditional medicine. Urban expansion and agriculture are also driving habitat loss. You can help save gibbons by avoiding illegal gibbon photo opportunities, refraining from buying gibbon products, and supporting rainforest conservation to protect their habitat. This prevents deforestation, the leading cause of their decline.
Gibbons in Thailand
- White-handed gibbons, scientifically known as Hylobates lar, are found in various regions such as Thailand, peninsular Malaysia, parts of China, Myanmar, Laos, and Sumatra. Their physical appearance ranges from dark brown to cream-colored, characterized by distinct white or buff hands, feet, and facial markings. Weighing between 5-6kg and measuring 45-50 cm in body length, they primarily consume fruits, young leaves, shoots, flowers, and insects. With a larger territory spanning 10-50 hectares, these gibbons showcase a faster and more extensive migration compared to other gibbon species. Despite being fairly abundant, they are considered endangered and are listed in CITES Appendix I and U.S. ESA. They typically live in family groups comprising a mated pair and up to 4 offspring, with infants weaned within two years and some staying with the group for an additional 6-7 years.
- Pileated Gibbons, known as Hylobates Pilatus, is primarily found in specific areas including southeastern Thailand, western Cambodia, and southwestern Laos, particularly west of the Mekong River. They coexist with White-Handed Gibbons in certain regions of central Thailand, such as the Khao Yai National Park.
These gibbons exhibit sexual dimorphism in color, with adult males being black with distinctive white facial borders, genital patches, hands, and feet. In contrast, adult females display a pale grey-brown color with black patches on their breast and crown. Young Pileated Gibbons resemble adult females initially, gradually developing black patches within four to six months. They share similar physical dimensions with White-Handed Gibbons, weighing between 5-6 kg and measuring 45-50 cm in body length.
Their diet primarily consists of fruits, leaves, flowers, buds, and insects, with a particular preference for figs. Additionally, they consume invertebrates, bird eggs, and small birds. Pileated Gibbons inhabit similar environments as White-Handed Gibbons, although they can also thrive in more open, partly deciduous forests.
- Agile Gibbons, scientifically referred to as Hylobates agile, are distributed across three distinct populations with limited overlap with other gibbon species.
The first population is found in peninsular Malaysia and Thailand, where it coexists with White-Handed Gibbons to both the north and south. The second population resides in southern Sumatra, replaced to the north by the White-Handed Gibbon. The third population, H. albibarbis, inhabits west and central Kalimantan between the Kapuas and Barito Rivers in Borneo, giving way to the Borneo’s Gibbon in the rest of the island.
Their appearance is quite variable, ranging from cream to dark brown, often with white eyebrows and occasionally pale cheek patches that may connect under the chin. Unlike White-Handed Gibbons, their hands and feet match the rest of their fur in color. Weighing between 5-6 kg and measuring 45-50 cm in total body length, Agile Gibbons share similar sizes with White-Handed Gibbons.
Feeding on a variety of fruits, young leaves, shoots, flowers, and insects, Agile Gibbons have similar habitat requirements and territory sizes compared to White-Handed Gibbons. They also share similar gestation periods and group dynamics.
- Siamangs, scientifically known as Hylobates syndactyls, now inhabit limited regions including peninsular Malaysia, the southern border of Thailand, and Sumatra.
Distinguished by their entirely black and shaggy fur, Siamang Gibbons possess a bare throat pouch that inflates during vocalization. As the largest gibbon species, they have a robust build, with an average weight of 11-12 kg and a total body length of 75-90 cm.
Their diet primarily consists of leaves, and fruits, particularly figs, flowers, and shoots, with a relatively higher preference for leaves compared to smaller gibbons. They typically reside in evergreen tropical rain and hill forests, defending territories smaller than those of White-Handed Gibbons due to their relatively limited mobility. With a slightly longer gestation period of 230-235 days, Siamangs give birth to one young approximately every two or three years. Their family groups consist of two breeding adults and up to three dependent young.
To support Gibbons in Phuket. Please contact: Above and Bee-Yond Tours or The Gibbon Rehabilitation Project (GRP) https://www.gibbonproject.org/
