Western Hoolock Gibbon

Kingdom Order Family Genus Species
Animalia Primates Hylobatidae Hoolock Hoolock hoolock
Western Hoolock Gibbon
IUCN Status: Endangered
  • Common Name: Western Hoolock Gibbon
  • Taxonomy Classification Year: 1834
  • Monkey Size: 60 to 90 cm (23.62 to 35.43 in)
  • Skin Color(s): Black or dark brown
  • Habitat: Forest, rainforest, scrub forest
  • Diet: Omnivorous
  • Native Countries: Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, China

Western Hoolock Gibbon Distribution

Western Hoolock Gibbon Characteristics

Western Hoolock Gibbon

The Western Hoolock gibbons[1] are three species of primates in the Hoolock genus of the gibbon family, Hylobatidae, endemic to Myanmar, eastern Bangladesh, northeastern India, and southwestern China.

Hoolock Hoolock

  • Hoolock gibbons are the second largest gibbon after the siamangs. They weigh between 6 and 8 kg.
  • Hoolock gibbons are characterized by longer hair, curved white eyebrow bands, and a slightly triangular head.
  • This species is bicolor: adult males are entirely black, while adult females are dark brown with black on the neck, chest, and face. In some subpopulations, males have more pronounced eyebrows than in others.
  • Males may also have a white foreskin tuft and may show white on the chin and cheeks. Some females have lighter fur on their hands and feet.
  • Hoolock gibbon is unique among gibbon species in having only 38 chromosomes compared to 44 for other members of its subgenus.

Western Hoolock Gibbon Facts

Western Hoolock Gibbon

  • Like other gibbons, Western Hoolock gibbons are diurnal and arboreal, gliding through trees with their long arms.
  • The pair, with its offspring (usually one or two), inhabit a stable and heavily defended territory.
  • Sometimes solitary adults, usually subadults recently expelled from their family group, establish solitary territories.
  • Their calls are used to locate family members and keep other gibbons out of their territory.
  • Unlike other gibbon species, male and female hoolock gibbon vocalizations are the same and relatively simple.

Suggested Reading: Family of Apes

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BioExplorer.net. (2024, December 21). Western Hoolock Gibbon. Bio Explorer. https://www.bioexplorer.net/animals/mammals/apes/western-hoolock-gibbon/.
BioExplorer.net. "Western Hoolock Gibbon" Bio Explorer, 21 December 2024, https://www.bioexplorer.net/animals/mammals/apes/western-hoolock-gibbon/.
BioExplorer.net. "Western Hoolock Gibbon" Bio Explorer, December 21 2024. https://www.bioexplorer.net/animals/mammals/apes/western-hoolock-gibbon/.
Key References
  • [1]“Hoolock gibbon – New World Encyclopedia”. Accessed October 23, 2022. Link.

1 COMMENT

  1. One of the most impressive aspects of the Western Hoolock Gibbon is their strong family bonds. They form monogamous pairs and engage in long-lasting relationships, working together to raise their offspring. Witnessing their nurturing behavior and the adorable interactions within their family groups is heartwarming.

    At Lawachara reserve forest has the largest population of Western Hoolock Gibbon in Bangladesh. Check out more at here https://nijhoom.com/lawachara-national-park/

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