Wildlife

Gibbons

Graceful residents of the canopies in many tropical Asian rainforests, gibbons are also wondrous singers whose morning calls fill the forests with sound. Gibbons are under immense threat, both from habitat loss and from hunting for traditional medicines and the pet trade. While one species of gibbon is listed as Vulnerable, the other 15 species are either Endangered or Critically Endangered.

Our Goal

Thriving populations of gibbon species across each of their ranges in Asia. To secure this future, we're employing some key strategies:

• Protect gibbons and their habitat.
• Build capacity in range states.
• Conduct scientific research on gibbons to help inform conservation strategies.
• Promote gibbon-friendly policies.
• Monitor gibbon numbers, population trends, and threats to gibbons and their habitats.

On Our Strategies

Protecting Gibbons and Their Habitat

WCS's technical support to local governments has helped create and expand a suite of protected areas critical for gibbons across their range.

Building Capacity in Gibbon Range States

WCS provides technical training to hundreds of forest rangers and park management authorities every year to prevent loss of gibbon habitat and stop the killing of gibbons.

Monitoring Gibbon Numbers, Population Trends, and Threats to Gibbons and Their Habitats

To ensure gibbon management strategies are informed by the most current data, WCS staff across Asia keep a close watch on threats to gibbons. WCS intelligence networks monitor the illegal trade in gibbons, and our close collaborations with ranger patrols ensures that we are up to date on all immediate threats to gibbon habitat.