News

Meet The Sopranos: Rarest Primate, Hainan Gibbon Population Threefold Since 1970s

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 2 — Known as the world’s rarest primates, Hainan gibbons are increasing in number, as there are 33 gibbons living in five families, a threefold rise in population from the 1970s.

This is according to the latest data from the province’s forestry department.

Based on a statement, the black-crested apes can only be found in the Bawangling National Nature Reserve on Hainan Island.

They live in rainforest trees over 10 metres tall and rarely set foot on the ground, making captive breeding difficult.

Numbering over 2,000 in the 1950s, the species was pushed to the brink of extinction due to excessive lumbering and burning of forests for hunting.

To save them, the local government established the Bawangling reserve in the 1980s and launched afforestation drives.

Since 2005, Hainan’s forestry department has planted more than 300,000 trees to provide food for the gibbons. Forest authorities also teamed up with conservationist groups.

On Aug 29, inspectors from the Hainan tropical rainforest national park administration spotted a female gibbon cuddling its baby in Dongbengling, Baisha Li Autonomous County.

Experts later confirmed that a new family had been formed and their habitats in the reserve were expanding.

Source: BERNAMA

Adib Mohd

Recent Posts

MILO® 75 Years Power Up for Nutrition, Sports, and Sustainability

Let’s play a guessing game. 75 years of nourishing spirits, one cup at a time.… Read More

7 hours ago

Mojo Projects Expands Its Comedy Legacy with Nesan David’s ImagiNesan! Back-to-Back Shows in Kuala Lumpur’s Singapore

As one of Malaysia’s leading live entertainment curators, Mojo Projects is going regional — expanding… Read More

7 hours ago

Manulife Malaysia and SCMP Thrive Inclusive Future for Youth

Manulife Malaysia and the South China Morning Post (SCMP) proudly welcome delegates to the inaugural… Read More

24 hours ago

Puteri Balqis Has Engaged? The Beginning of Romantic Tale For This Young Actress!

A joyful update for the Entertainment Sky is here! Our dearest actress and poet, Puteri… Read More

1 day ago

Ultraman X DAN DA DAN, Tsuburaya Fields Unveils Exclusive Yukinobu Tatsu Collaboration Card for “Heroes of the Radiant Dawn” Booster Pack

Ultraman X DAN DA DAN, Tsuburaya Fields Unveils Exclusive Yukinobu Tatsu Collaboration Card for “Heroes… Read More

1 day ago

TAMASHII SPOT POP UP X ULTRA HEROES 2025 Brings Ultraman Omega, Exclusive Figures & Epic Meet-and-Greets to MyTOWN KL

Get ready, heroes and collectors! The TAMASHII SPOT POP UP X ULTRA HEROES 2025 is… Read More

1 day ago

This website uses cookies.