Pileated gibbon

Hylobates pileatus

Gibbons have developed their own method of locomotion – swinging from branch to branch – which is highly efficient in the treetops. Another distinctive feature is their calls, which they use to mark their territories and can be heard from a great distance.

Red List

Endangered

Breeding programme

The infants of the pileated gibbons are initially cream-coloured. At the age of one year, their coat colour changes to a mixture of silvery and yellow-brown patches. Adult females retain this juvenile colouring. Males, however, change their coat colour during puberty, between the ages of six and eight, to an almost entirely black coat.

Gibbon families are very peaceful amongst themselves. There are hardly ever any squabbles. For example, two gibbons can eat from the same fruit without any trouble. Young gibbons never climb onto their mother’s back. They hold on to her belly, even when she is swinging about wildly.