LAR GIBBON
KEY FACTS Population Trend: Decreasing ↓
IUCN Status: Endangered
Wild population estimates: Unknown
Scientific name: Hylobates lar
Size: 45 – 50cms
Found in: Peninsular Malaysia
Habitat: Dipterocarp forest, submontane and lowland forest, mixed deciduous bamboo forest
Diet: Fruits, leaves, flowers, and insects
Average number of young: one (every 3.5 years)
Average Life-expectancy in the wild: up to 30 years
DESCRIPTION
The Lar gibbon or the White-handed Gibbon is one of the most well-known gibbon species in Malaysia. They get their name from the white-coloured hair that covers their hand and feet. Moreover, the adults have a ring of white hair around their hairless face. Both males and females can have fur colouring varying from creamy, brown, or black. Of all the gibbon species, the lar gibbon inhabits the greatest north-south range and are found in Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia.
The lar gibbon spends most of its life above the ground. Hence, it is equipped with super-long arms and hooked hands. This helps the gibbon to swing effortlessly and fluidly between branches in search of food, especially figs. Also, the lar gibbon love vocalising. They communicate using songs, performed solo or as a couple. Moreover, these rich and reverberating duets are usually performed between sunrise and noon, with a peak at mid-morning. Also, their amazing song can be heard up to a kilometre through the rainforest. Currently, this gentle, vocal primate is listed as Endangered. There are multiple threats to its survival: Habitat loss and fragmentation – forest clearance for livestock grazing, agriculture, new settlements, monoculture plantations, roads and illegal pet trade.
GIBBON REHAB VOLUNTEER IN MALAYSIA
VOLUNTEERING
As a Gibbon Rehab Volunteer, you will help with the groundbreaking rehabilitation project by GPSM Gibbon Protection Society Malaysia. The project is in their natural habitat, the tropical rainforest.
INTERNSHIPS
The internship for this project is Wildlife Communications. You will be working on Social Media campaigns and Content Creation for the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project. So you will gain digital skills, as well as learn about Gibbon Rehabilitation. The minimum stay is 3 months.
