What is the origin of the name 'Gibbon'?

The origin of the name 'gibbon' comes from the length of its arms. The Japanese kanji for gibbon, '手長猿' (tenaga-zaru), reflects this characteristic.

Certain species have names derived from their appearance. The 'White-handed Gibbon,' commonly seen in Japanese zoos, gets its name from its white hands. In kanji, it is written as '白手手長猿,' which has two '手' characters, making it a bit confusing.

The 'Siamang' species has a large pouch under its chin, hence its name. The 'Pileated Gibbon' derives its name from the unique appearance of females, who have a black hood-like pattern on their otherwise gray bodies.

In Latin, the scientific name for gibbons is 'Hylobates.' 'Hylo' means 'forest,' and 'bates' means 'one who moves or frequents,' indicating their forest habitat.

Why do gibbons live in those regions?

Gibbons primarily live in tropical rainforests. Depending on the species and location, they may inhabit forests, bamboo groves, wet forests, or areas with mud and marshes.

As seen in zoos, gibbons spend most of their time in the treetops. They use their long arms to swing from tree to tree, much like children on monkey bars in a playground. They can also jump distances of up to 10 meters, allowing for quick movement through the forest.

Gibbons are adept climbers, able to sit on high branches even in places where food sources are located as high as 23.7 meters above ground level.

They rarely walk on the ground, but when they do, they spread their arms to maintain balance. This might be due to the difference in length between their arms and legs.

Gibbons form social groups, but these are typically family units with a pair and their offspring. They alert each other to danger with loud calls, signaling the presence of threats.

However, gibbons are not fond of water and avoid swimming. They prefer to stay out of water, indicating a dislike for it.

What do gibbons eat?

Gibbons primarily eat fruit, but they also consume nuts, leaves, flowers, stems, and buds. Insects like mantises and bees, small birds and their eggs, and small animals are also part of their diet. They tend to eat different foods depending on the season. During summer, when fruits are abundant, they focus on fruit, but during winter, when fruit is scarce, they rely on other food sources.

In zoos, gibbons eat fruits and other items like sweet potatoes, cabbage, lettuce, and Chinese cabbage. They can eat over 100 types of plants, allowing them to adapt to different environments.

When gibbons eat fruit, they often swallow the seeds, which later pass through their droppings, potentially leading to new plant growth. In this way, gibbons contribute to the regeneration of forests.

How do gibbons reproduce?

Gibbons generally form monogamous pairs, staying together for life. Occasionally, polygyny or polyandry can occur, but they typically consist of one male and one female.

If a partner dies, abandons, or is taken away, the gibbon will find a new partner.

The gestation period for gibbons is about 7 months, and they typically give birth to one offspring during the rainy-to-dry season transition between September and October. The interval between births is 2 to 3 years. While humans generally carry for 10 months, gibbons give birth a bit earlier.

Usually, the mother takes care of the infant, but fathers and older siblings also participate. Infants begin to eat solid food around 4 months of age, similar to the introduction of solid food for human babies.

Gibbons usually cling to their mothers, but by 9 months, they can swing through trees on their own, imitating their parents and siblings.

Gibbons are recognized as adults at age 6, and by age 8, they leave their family group to find a partner and create their own family. If they have not left by age 8, their father will prompt them to leave.

To ensure reproductive success, gibbons must find a partner and become independent by age 8.

Is it true that gibbons sing songs of love?

Gibbons often engage in duets between males and females, a form of communication to establish territory, strengthen bonds, and maintain relationships.

Depending on the species, duets involve different tones and parts. In the White-handed Gibbon, the female begins with a high note called the 'great call,' followed by the male's 'coda.'

The female leads with a high-pitched first verse, while the male joins in with a lower second verse, akin to a duet.

These duets can occur 2 to 5 times a day depending on species and circumstances. At territory boundaries, the duet can last up to 35 minutes, signaling warnings or alerts to other groups. The harmonious voices create a melodious sound that resonates through the forest.

Is it true that gibbons are depicted in paintings?

Gibbons have long been part of folklore and art. A notable Buddhist text, 'Mahasanghika Vinaya,' includes the story of 'The Monkey and the Moon,' where the word 'monkey' refers to gibbons.

In the story, 500 gibbons lived in a tree above a well. The reflection of the moon in the well prompted the leader to suggest they save the moon by forming a human chain from the tree to the water. However, as they reached out, the branch broke, causing them to fall into the well and die. The moral of the story is that attempting something beyond one's capability can lead to disaster.

This story has been depicted in art, including ink paintings and ceramic bowls, with gibbons accurately portrayed with long arms.

The depiction of gibbons in religious texts and art suggests that they have long been recognized and respected by humans.

Are gibbons classified as endangered species?

All species of gibbons are classified as endangered, with some considered the most critically endangered mammals on Earth. Why have their numbers declined so much?

The primary cause is deforestation, where their tropical rainforest habitats are destroyed to make way for roads, large-scale agriculture, buildings, and dams, as well as for resources like paper and palm oil.

When lowland forests are destroyed, gibbons are forced into higher elevations, where food resources are limited. This has resulted in the loss of vast forest areas, with continued deforestation.

Gibbons have historically been hunted for pets and even food in some cultures. Traditional Chinese medicine has also used gibbons as ingredients, leading to illegal poaching and hunting.

To raise awareness, October 24 has been designated 'International Gibbon Day.' Conservation efforts include protected areas, monitoring for poaching, and reforestation initiatives.

It's not just a distant problem. Humans, through their consumption and use of forest-derived products, also play a role in deforestation. By considering these impacts, we can help protect gibbons and their habitats.

Can gibbons be found in Japan?

Gibbons are not found in the wild in Japan but are commonly seen in zoos. In the wild, their lifespan ranges from 16 to 25 years, while in captivity, they can live 30 to 40 years due to consistent food sources and protection from predators.

Here are some of the Japanese zoos where you can find gibbons:

White-handed Gibbons: Ueno Zoo (Tokyo), Fukuoka City Zoo (Fukuoka), Kanazawa Zoo (Yokohama), Maruyama Zoo (Sapporo), Asahiyama Zoo (Asahikawa), Kushiro City Zoo, Tokiwa Zoo (Yamaguchi), Kyoto City Zoo (Kyoto), Oji Zoo (Hyogo).

Siamangs: Chiba Zoological Park, Higashiyama Zoo (Nagoya), Tennoji Zoo (Osaka), Itozu-no-Mori Park (Fukuoka).

The best way to understand these animals is to visit them in person. Seeing them in their environment provides a unique perspective.