Acrobats of the treetops
Gibbons are small apes that swing through the canopy using their long arms, a movement called brachiation. White-handed gibbons have white hands and feet and a white ring of fur around the face.
Duet songs
Mated pairs sing together at dawn, combining rising whoops and trills. The songs help defend territory and strengthen pair bonds, and each species has its own style. Because the calls carry far, researchers use recordings to count gibbons without having to see them.
Forest loss
Gibbons depend on continuous canopy, so logging and plantation expansion cut off their travel routes. The pet trade and hunting add to the pressure, which is why the species is listed as endangered.
Listen
What it sounds like: Rising, whooping duets that carry far through the forest.
To hear independent recordings, try Freesound. Check each recording’s licence before reusing it. See Media & Sources.
Further reading: Top Forest Animals and Their Unique Calls
Conservation status follows the IUCN Red List as we understand it at the time of writing. Assessments are revised regularly, so please check the IUCN Red List for the current listing.