Conservation of the black-crested gibbon in China

Abstract

The black-crested gibbon is believed to be endangered throughout its range in China and northern Vietnam, where much of the original forest has been destroyed. The only reserves known to have substantial populations are the Ailao Mountain and Wuliang Mountain Natural Protected Areas in Yunnan Province, China, which together may have 1500 of an estimated total of 3500 black-crested gibbons in protected areas in China. Although they are probably the best protected, the gibbon populations of both reserves have been badly depleted by deforestation and hunting. Recent reports that roads will be constructed through the centres of the reserves, and that gold has been discovered in one of them, increase concern. The Ministry of Forestry has started new conservation measures, but further action is required.

Ecology and behavior of wild black-crested gibbons (Hylobates concolor) in China with a reconsideration of evidence for polygyny

“…Our estimates of home range sizes (120, 70, and 40 ha) are consistent with previous estimates of gibbon densities in the Wu Liang Reserve (HAIMOFF et al, 1987b;BLEISCH & CHEN, 1990). These ranges are generally larger than those found for other species of gibbons, which range from 16 to 58 ha (summarized in CHIVERS, 1984 andLEIGHTON, 1987).…”

“…fingdongensis, MA ET WANG; MA & WANG, 1986) in the Wu Liang Mountain and Ai Lao Mountain Natural Protected Areas in the center of Yunnan Province in southwestern China ( Fig. 1; see also BLEISCH & CHEN, 1990). Our main study area in Wu Liang Mountain Reserve had an elevation between 1,900 and 2,700 m. In Ai Lao Mountain, the study site extended from 2,300 to 2,900 m., perhaps the highest elevation at which gibbons occur.…”

“…Unfortunately, the black-crested gibbon is in danger of extinction throughout its range, primarily because its restrictive habitat requirements make it especially vulnerable to deforestation, and its behavior and low reproductive rate make it vulnerable to over-hunting (BLEISCH & CHEN, 1990). Opportunities for studying H. concolor in the wild have been rare, and the animals have proven to be difficult to observe because they are very wary of humans, probably because of intense hunting pressure.…”

Extrapair Paternity in Golden-Cheeked Gibbons (Nomascus gabriellae) in the Secondary Lowland Forest of Cat Tien National Park, Vietnam

“…In particular, the genus Nomascus displays this high level of variability within the social system. Observations by Delacour [1933], Xu et al [1983], Liu et al [1989], Haimoff [1987] and Bleisch and Chen [1991] show that Nomascus can live in polygynous groups. Lan [1993Lan [ , 2001 working with N. concolor jingdongensis in Xiaobahe for over 11 years reports both stable socially monogamous and polygynous groups.…”

Travel adaptations of Bornean Agile Gibbons Hylobates albibarbis (Primates: Hylobatidae)in a degraded secondary forest, Indonesia

“…These alarming data on type of forest type remaining indicate that the majority of remaining forest, and thus remaining gibbon habitat, will have experienced some form of disturbance. Gibbons are obligate canopy dwellers, who require intact canopy structure for all aspects of their behavioural ecology (Carpenter 1972;Andrews & Groves 1976;Gittins 1979;Bleisch & Chen 1990;Chivers 1990;Feeroz & Islam 1992;Asquith 1995;Cannon & Leighton 1996;Campbell et al 2008;Cheyne 2010;Hamard et al 2010;Kakati 2000;Marshall 2010;Oka et al 2000). Highly territorial animals such as gibbons may remain within their former ranges even following intensive forest clearance or fires which destroy a high proportion of trees (Marsh & Wilson 1981;Marsh et al 1987).…”