Habitat of Gaoligong hoolock gibbon expands

Yingjiang county of Dehong Dai and Jingpo prefecture, southwest Yunnan province, has recently discovered a new habitat for the Gaoligong hoolock gibbon, also known as the white-browed gibbon. This finding increases the distribution area of the species in China by 16%.

Gaoligong hoolock gibbon (Photo by Yin Yihu)

The Gaoligong hoolock gibbon is currently the only great ape species named by Chinese scientists. It is classified as a nationally protected first-level wild animal and is exclusively found within the borders of Yunnan.

Gaoligong hoolock gibbon (Photo by Yin Yihu)

The primary distribution areas include the southern segment of Mt. Gaoligong on the west of the Nujiang river, encompassing Longyang district in Baoshan city, Tengchong city, and Yingjiang county.

Yingjiang currently hosts around 100 individuals of the white-browed gibbons in 29 groups, representing over 60% of the national population. It has become the largest habitat for the gibbon nationwide.

Source: Yunnan Daily; trans-editing by Wang Yunya