Nomascus gabriellae
Brachiation specialists!
Gibbons are the smallest of the “large primates”. Arboreal and very agile, they can move bipedally (standing on their hind legs), but they are specialists in brachiation: thanks to their long arms, they swing easily from branch to branch!
They live in family groups, consisting of a breeding pair and possibly a few young and young. This species is also known for its characteristic song, emitted in duets. Complex and sophisticated, this song makes it possible to defend the territory: it can be heard more than a kilometre away!
All gibbon species are threatened by hunting for meat and traditional medicine, as well as capture for animal trafficking. In addition, there is the fragmentation and destruction of forests, linked to the expansion of agriculture (especially for palm oil) and the timber industry.
This is why at La Barben, we are committed by supporting two French associations that work for the protection of gibbons (among others!): the Anoulak association, operating in Laos, and Kalaweit, based in Indonesia!
A young pair of these gibbons has been present in La Barben since 2019. In October 2021, they had their first calf, which at birth is cream-colored (like its mom), then will turn black (like its dad), then, if it’s a female, will become cream-colored again!
Will you be able to listen carefully to hear their characteristic song, usually emitted in the early morning?
