Red-cheeked Gibbon Nomascus gabriellae

Red-cheeked Gibbon Nomascus gabriellae

Endangered

Location: Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam

Like other gibbons, Red-cheeked Gibbons are arboreal and diurnal, with singing bouts averaging 12 minutes and lower calling frequencies in the wet season (Rawson 2004, Kenyon 2007). The species displays a monogamous social structure of adult pair and offspring. Average group size is estimated at 3-5 individuals. Females emigrate near, in and around their natal territories, but males emigrate farther and wider. Female give birth to single offspring at 17-22 month intervals. Nomascus gabriellae is considered Endangeredb ased on a suspected population reduction of 50% or more due to hunting for food, live capture for the pet trade, and the loss of suitable habitat.

These gibbons belong to genus Nomascus. They are known to communicate in species-specific song when defining territory or attracting mates. They sing in regional accents to each other and form monogamous breeding pairs. Males and females have different coloured fur.

Numerous conservation efforts of these rarest of small primates are ongoing. Sponsor a gibbon at a rescue centre here.

Threats to the Red-cheeked Gibbon

• Hunting for the pet trade
  • Capture of young gibbons by killing the mother
  • Capture for zoos and private collections
  • Females and infants held as pets in hotels and private areas
• Habitat loss and degradation
  • Planned or unplanned forest conversion
  • Developmental activities such as infrastructure development
  • Encroachment and illegal logging
  • Economic land concession designation in Cambodia
• Small and fragmented population
  • Reduced genetic diversity and increased vulnerability
• Trade and possession
  • At least 24-26 gibbons traded in southern provinces of Viet Nam
  • 32 out of 41 cases of gibbon possession reported in southern provinces (2005-2009)
• Timber logging and palm oil deforestation
  • A contributor to habitat loss in both Viet Nam and Cambodia
• Forest cover loss
  • Viet Nam has lost 16% of its forest cover since the turn of the century
  • Projected loss of up to 60% of forests in Viet Nam by 2045 if current rates continue
  • Cambodia has lost 25% of its forest cover since the turn of the century
  • Projected loss of up to 70% of forests in Cambodia by 2045 if current rates continue

Further Information

Endangered Primate Rescue Centre

Rawson, B.M., Hoang, M.D., Roos, C., Van, N.T. & Nguyen, M.H. 2020. Nomascus gabriellae. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2020: e.T128073282A17968950. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-2.RLTS.T128073282A17968950.en. Downloaded on 29 January 2021.

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