Why the Black Crested Gibbon Needs Your Help

According to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, the black crested gibbon is now a Critically Endangered species. It’s unfortunate, considering the gibbon is one of the world’s most majestic and beautiful animals. However, it doesn’t have to be the end for this animal. By learning about the threats to the population, you can get involved or spread the word about the need to help the gibbon population to regain its numbers. But first, let’s learn more about the species.

About the Black Crested Gibbon

The black crested gibbon is native to China, northern Vietnam, and Laos. They’re typically between 17-21 inches long and weigh between 15 to 22 pounds. The gibbon is a forest dweller with long arms and are typically found swinging between branches or walking upright on the ground. Gibbons primarily live, sleep, and forage in the trees. 

One of the primary attributes that often identifies the gibbon is its loud singing voice, which is typically heard in the morning. It’s a startling noise that is often produced by a breeding pair of gibbons. Experts believe that singing is how a pair of gibbons bond. It also announces to other animals that the pairing is in the area.

The gibbon diet mostly consists of sugar-rich food. Figs are a favorite. They are also known to eat leaf buds. They rarely eat animals, though they do sometimes eat bird eggs. The gibbon finds its food by scouring the trees. Finally, gibbons are not monkeys. Instead, they’re classified as apes.

Threats to Their Survival

It is estimated that less than 1,500 black crested gibbons are left in the world. The species is currently listed as “critically endangered,” which is one step above being “extinct in the wild,” and only two steps above total extinction. Several factors have led to the decline in the black crested gibbon population.

Disappearing Forests

One of the main threats against the black crested gibbon is deforestation. The gibbon lives in semi-evergreen and montane evergreen forests. The types of trees found in these forests are often cut down for resources. Since 2000, areas like northern Vietnam have experienced a 22% decrease in tree cover, which means less space for the black crested gibbon to live and thrive. Deforestation can be due to human intervention, but it can also be the result of fires and other unforeseen circumstances. When a forest is removed, it is often replaced by fir and pine trees, both of which offer less food and resources for the apes.

Illegal Capture

Gibbons are very unique, which makes them a target for hunters and poachers who want to capture the animal for sale in the exotic pet market. Gibbons are frequently hunted and sold internationally. That results in fewer mates and a decrease in the population. Many of the gibbons are also hurt or killed during the transportation process after they’re sold. Sadly, when an animal becomes endangered, there’s often a higher chance that they will be hunted for trophies. It’s said that a female gibbon can be worth hundreds of dollars. Many cultures use gibbon bones for medicinal properties, which makes hunting the apes more desirable.

Reproduction Limitations

Even in the best circumstances, reproduction limitations make it difficult to revive the number of gibbons in the wild. The breeding females only have a single offspring every two years. After the baby is born, there is then a dependence period of between a year and a year and a half. That means it takes time for repopulation, and without the proper protections, it can be a struggle.

Human Expansion

Many of the places where the black crested gibbon calls home have exploded with human activity over the years. For instance, one of the main areas where you’ll see the gibbons is in the Chinese province of Hainan. That area alone experienced a major population increase between 1950 and 2003, and much of that still remains. The resulting increase in construction for towns and structures leads to the inevitable destruction of the forests that the gibbon calls home.

Conservation Efforts to Save the Black Crested Gibbon

Conservation efforts have been in existence since the 1980s when the threat to the population became known. A survey ofthe black crested gibbon population was conducted between 2001 and 2002. The loud call of the apes made it easier for researchers to identify them and their numbers. A second survey was conducted in 2010. 

From there, many organizations took action. Many gibbons have been transported to national parks. That’s the case with the Zoological Society of London (ZSL). They currently house between 20-30 gibbons so that they can thrive and reproduce in a safe and productive environment. Many organizations like this are working to continuously monitor the numbers and gibbon habit requirements so they can adjust accordingly. In 2016, the ZSL created an Emergency Response Plan that involved Chinese officials with the goal of working toward a mutual solution.

The Chinese and Hainanese governments have also initiated conservation efforts with the cooperation of Kadoorie Conservation China and Fauna and Flora International. Their aim is to investigate the situation and make recommendations. One of those recommendations was to prevent access to illegal loggers. Another suggestion was to revert old farms into hospitable environments by growing plant species that would produce the resources the gibbons enjoy, including figs. Finally, they agreed to create a program to educate the locals about the gibbon population and to avoid disruptive behaviors.

You Can Help

Unless you live in the areas where the black crested gibbons call home, there’s little you can do directly. However, you can still support the efforts to help the apes. One way that you can help is by donating to organizations like the Zoological Society of London. They vow to help the gibbon population and many other endangered animal species. Many people also choose to donate to the Wildlife Conservation Society. A recurring donation can go a long way.