Gibbon | Wildlife

The Wildlife | Gibbon | Gibbons are the smallest members of the ape family and can live for up to fifty years in captivity. They are renowned for their acrobatic ability and have been known to leap for more than ten metres between trees when swinging through the canopy at high speeds. Pileated Gibbons are only found in Thailand, Laos and Cambodia. The females are white and the males black and they are among only 3 percent of mammals which are monogamous. Phnom Tamao also has one resident female Yellow Cheeked Gibbon who sports a more golden colored coat of fur. Gibbons can be heard singing in the early mornings.

Gibbons have very long arms which are often longer than the gibbon's legs. Gibbons use their arms to help them to move around in the trees and to balance whilst they are walking along branches. Gibbons are known to be the fastest, non-flying tree dwelling mammals in the world as they can move at speeds of up to 35mph and are able to swing themselves 15 meters from tree to tree. Gibbons are also incredible at leaping and can leap long distances of up to 8 meters. Like all other species of ape, gibbons do not have a tail. Gibbons are omnivorous animals meaning that they eat a mixture of both plant and animal matter. The main food of the gibbon is ripe fruit which grow around them in the trees, and makes up around three quarters of the gibbon's diet. Gibbons also prey on insects, eggs, spiders and small birds and reptiles.

This is thought to mark their territory but is also utilized to strengthen the bond between mates. They sing duets with their partners with males and females singing different parts of the song. All songs are highly individual and can be used to differentiate between individuals like thumbprints. Solos are only sung by single female gibbons.

 Gibbon

 Gibbon

 Gibbons

 Gibbon

Gibbon