International Primate Protection League (UK)

• Gibbons are native to the forests of Southeast Asia, as well as parts of northeast India and southern China. Most captive gibbons seen in the West belong to the white-handed species, which is native to several Southeast Asian countries, including Thailand and Malaysia.
  
  
• Gibbons are the smallest of the apes; adults measure about two feet (crown to rump) and usually weigh only 12 to 20 pounds. Males and females are about the same size. Like the other apes (chimpanzees, bonobos, orangutans, gorillas) and like us, gibbons do not have tails.
  
  
• Gibbons use a form of locomotion known as “brachiation,” arm-over-arm swinging that works well in their native tree-tops. Gibbons have elongated arms and fingers, relatively short legs, and flexible shoulder joints to help them accomplish their swift, graceful movements.
  
  
• Gibbons are mostly vegetarian. In the wild, they generally prefer to eat ripe fruits and leaves. However, they will also consume shoots, buds, flowers, insects, and the occasional bird’s egg.
  
  
• Gibbons are naturally monogamous and territorial. Each mated pair will defend a territory of 25 to 125 acres (or up to 1,200 acres in some species). Offspring, when they mature (at six to nine years of age), leave their parents’ home turf to find a mate and establish a territory of their own. Each individual of a mated pair is responsible for keeping other same-sex interlopers away.
  
  
• Gibbon songs are one of the marvels of nature: their pure, warbling calls can be heard a mile away. The males and females have distinct vocalizations and usually perform as a duet. They generally sing in the mornings, but may call at other times of day, as well.
  
  
• Although most captive animals live only into their late 30s, gibbons can occasionally exceed 50 years of age. IPPL is home to some of the world’s oldest gibbons.
  
  
• Gibbons, like all primates, are in danger of extinction. The greatest threats to gibbons are habitat destruction and poaching. Sadly, mother gibbons carrying babies are often targeted by hunters wanting babies for the pet and entertainment trade. Because gibbons are small, fast-moving targets and live high in the treetops, it is estimated that at least 20 mothers and babies die for each baby gibbon successfully brought into captivity.
  

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