Javan Gibbon | 08 Oct 2021
Why in News
Indonesia is taking steps to protect the habitat of Javan Gibbon (Hylobates moloch), which is endangered by climate change and human encroachment.
- The species is also hunted for both meat and pet trade.
Key Points
- About:
- The silvery gibbon, also known as the Javan gibbon, is a primate. They are found in groups only, usually in a pair of two.
- It is endemic to the Indonesian island of Java, where it inhabits undisturbed rainforests up to an altitude of 2,450 m.
- It helps in regenerating forest vegetation by dispersing seeds.
- There are around 4,000 Javan gibbons left.
- It was declared Critically Endangered in 2004 but since has recovered to status of Endangered as per IUCN criterion. However, the latest IUCN estimate shows that their population is decreasing.
- Habitat:
- The Javan Gibbon wild population is only found in Java, Indonesia.
- It is not found in India (The hoolock gibbon is the only gibbon found in India).
- Protection Status: