Silver gibbon
| Silver gibbon | ||||||||||||
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Silver gibbon ( Hylobates moloch ) |
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| Scientific name | ||||||||||||
| Hylobates Moloch | ||||||||||||
| ( Audebert , 1798) |
The silver gibbon ( Hylobates moloch ), sometimes also called Java gibbon or Wauwau , is a primate species of the gibbon family (Hylobatidae) endemic to Java .
features
No exact body measurements are known, but silver gibbons weigh an average of 6 kg. The fur is very long and evenly silver-gray. The face is blackish with at least a touch of black on the head and chest. In addition, the silver gibbon has a weak, light face ring, a short, white beard on the chin, and eye-catching eyebrows. The hair on the head is directed backwards like a fan and a little longer on the ears. The teeth are considerably larger than those of the other gibbon species with large canines and incisors , an unreduced, third molar , and often several cusps. The silvery-gray coat color, the relatively large teeth and its calls are important features that distinguish the silver gibbon from other gibbon species.
distribution and habitat
The silver gibbon occurs mainly in western Java , but also in a small region in the central part of the island.
Rainforests at altitudes of up to 2,400 m (but usually below 1,600 m) are the habitat of the silver gibbon. It prefers plant-rich, relatively untouched forests, but it can also be found in moderately damaged forests.
Way of life and reproduction
The silver gibbon is a diurnal tree dweller. Territories stretch over 17–60 hectares. Generally, the males defend them against rival males and external threats, while females lead the group and drive away other females. The silver gibbon, like the Mentawai gibbon ( H. klossii ) , is believed not to sing duets, but detailed studies are needed to confirm this.
The menu of the silver gibbon consists mainly of fruits (61%) and leaves (38%), and they also eat flowers and insects.
The interval between births is three years. Silver gibbons reach sexual maturity at 8 to 10 years of age and probably reproduce for the first time at 10 to 12 years of age. Young animals are cream-colored with a weakly indicated face ring and a pink face. The fur quickly darkens to the color of the fur of adults. A female silver gibbon reached the age of 50 at the Winnipeg Zoo in Canada .
Hybrids between the silver gibbon and the white-hand gibbon ( H. lar ) are known. Hybrids have also been detected with the Müller gibbon ( H. muelleri ).
threat
The IUCN classifies the silver gibbon as "endangered". It lives on one of the most densely populated islands in the world and has been badly hit by habitat loss. Despite legal protection since 1924, the number of silver gibbons has become dangerously low. Historic deforestation during colonial times still defines the landscape and has pushed the silver gibbons into forests on mountains and volcanoes. Habitat destruction is relatively low today and the population seems stable. But also trading in silver gibbons, for example as pets or for traditional Asian medicine, is a danger. The silver gibbon occurs in 15 places, 9 of which are nature reserves. In 2002 the number of silver gibbons was estimated at 4,000 to 4,500 individuals, in 2008 fewer than 2,500 reproductive specimens. Several zoos, including the Hellabrunn Zoo in Munich , operate breeding programs.
Individual evidence
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↑ International Zoo Yearbook 1967, p. 306;
- International Zoo Yearbook 1968, p. 295;
- International Zoo Yearbook 1973, p. 325;
- International Zoo Yearbook 1977, p. 307;
- International Zoo Yearbook 1986, p. 480;
- International Zoo Yearbook 1989, p. 320. -
↑ International Zoo Yearbook 1986, p. 480;
- International Zoo Yearbook 1987, p. 408;
- International Zoo Yearbook 1991, p. 344.
literature
- Thomas Geissmann: Comparative Primatology . Springer, Berlin 2003. ISBN 3-540-43645-6
- DE Wilson & DM Reeder: Mammal Species of the World . Johns Hopkins University Press, 2005. ISBN 0-8018-8221-4
- Russell A. Mittermeier, Anthony B. Rylands, Don E. Wilson: Handbook of the Mammals of the World. Volume 3: Primates. Lynx Edition, Barcelona 2013, ISBN 978-84-96553-89-7 , p. 783.
Web links
- Information and photos from the Gibbons Research Lab. (English)
- Information from the Gibbon Conservation Center
- Hylobates moloch in the endangered Red List species the IUCN 2006. Posted by: Eudey et al , 2000. Retrieved on 11 May, 2006.