Hylobates pileatus
pileated gibbon

Pileated, or capped, gibbons are found in southeastern Thailand and throughout Cambodia.

(Nowak, 1991, WRPRC Library, 2000)

Pileated gibbons are found in rainforest habitats, including semideciduous monsoon forests, mixed deciduous and evergreen forests, and tropical evergreen forests throughout their range.

(Campbell, 1996)

Pileated gibbons have slender bodies, long arms, and no tail, as do other members of the genus Hylobates. Head and body length ranges between 440 and 635 mm. Males are black with white hands and feet and females have blondish fur with a black cap and chest.

(Flannery 2000; Burton 1995; Fleagle 1988; Leighton 1987; International Center for Gibbon Studies, 2000).

Pileated gibbons are arboreal and diurnal. They sleep and rest in trees of the forest canopy. Pileated gibbons are social species, they live in small family groups of about 3 to 4 individuals (Nowak, 1991).

Pileated gibbons are true brachiators, they move through the trees by swinging and leaping 10 meters or more with their long arms (Fleagle, 1988). They will also climb when moving slowly and feeding and travel for short distances using bipedal locomotion (Fleagle, 1988).

Gibbons are highly territorial animals, family groups actively defend territories of about 25 hectares in area with displays, threats, and vocalizations. These vocalizations often take the form of duets between the breeding male and female, with the female emitting the loudest and most distinctive sounds. These vocalizations act to maintain the bond between the breeding pair and to establish and maintain the territory (Nowak, 1991).

(Flannery 2000; Burton 1995; Fleagle 1988; Leighton 1987).

Pileated gibbons eat leaves, fruits, flowers, buds, and insects. The majority of their diet consists of fruits, including figs. They also eat other invertebrates, bird eggs, and small birds. Pileated gibbons drink water by immersing their hands into water or against wet leaves and then licking the water from their fur.

(Nowak, 1991, Zoom Whales, 2000)

Pileated gibbon populations are declining due the rapid destruction of their forest habitats. It is estimated that all species of gibbons will be at risk of extinction in the near future due to deforestation (Nowak, 1991).

Pileated gibbons are listed as vulnerable by the IUCN, Primate Specialist Group. The endemic primates of Vietnam, including pileated gibbons, are considered the highest possible priority rating in the Action Plan for Asian Primate Conservation. Pileated gibbons are also on Appendix 1 of CITES. Unfortunately, the gibbon is nearing extinction in Vietnam.

(Wild Animal Rescue Foundation of Thailand, 2000).

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