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Gibbons: The Dancing Apes
Context:
Gibbons, small apes found in Southeast Asia, are known for their acrobatic abilities and musical voices. A recent study has revealed another intriguing aspect of their behaviour: female gibbons engage in a unique form of robotic dancing.
The Study
- A trio of researchers from Institut Jean Nicod, Heinrich Heine University, and the University of Oslo observed female gibbons dancing in a jerky and rhythmic manner, often with their backs turned towards an observer.
- This behaviour was not associated with any obvious purpose, such as attracting a mate, and was performed for both male and female gibbons, as well as other animals.
Overview of Gibbons (Family: Hylobatidae)
- Approximately 20 species of small apes.
- Found in tropical forests of Southeast Asia.
- Humanlike build, no tail, but lack higher cognitive abilities compared to great apes.
- Notable for long arms, dense hair, and throat sacs used for amplifying sound.
Physical Characteristics:
- Smaller size compared to great apes: 40–65 cm (16–26 inches) in length, 5.5–7.5 kg (12–17 pounds) in weight.
- Largest species: Siamang (Symphalangus syndactylus) – up to 90 cm (35 inches) and 10.5–12 kg (23–26 pounds).
Social and Behavioural Traits:
- Arboreal, moving through trees with agility.
- Monogamous social structure, forming long-term bonds, sometimes mating for life.
- Active during the day, defending treetop territories.
- Vocal communication includes loud, musical calls; duet “great calls” for territorial marking.
Diet and Reproduction:
- Primarily frugivorous (fruit-eating), with some leaves, insects, bird eggs, and young birds.
- Single offspring born after 7-month gestation.
- Offspring take approximately seven years to mature.
Genera and Species of Gibbons:
- Hoolock: Found in Myanmar, India, and Bangladesh.
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- Males black, females brown. Both have throat sacs and harsh voices.
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- Hylobates: Includes white-handed gibbon, dark-handed gibbon, and pileated gibbon.
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- Species found in Sumatra, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, and China.
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- Nomascus: Found east of the Mekong River in Vietnam, China, and Laos.
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- Includes red-cheeked gibbon and black crested gibbon.
- Females lighten in colour with maturity.
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- Symphalangus: Largest genus, includes the siamang.
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- Found in Sumatra and Malaysia.
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Habitat:
- Native to rainforests of East, South, and Southeast Asia.
- Countries: China, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Myanmar, Bangladesh, India, Malaysia, Indonesia (Sumatra, Borneo, Java).
- Arboreal lifestyle, spending most time in the canopy.
Conservation Status:
- Most species are endangered or critically endangered (IUCN).
- Habitat destruction and hunting for food and medicinal purposes are major threats.
- Hainan gibbon population is stable but highly restricted to one location in China.