Skywalker Gibbons: Scientific Name, Population, Habitat, and Conservation Status

Context: 

A rare ape species, Skywalker Gibbon, has been found in Myanmar.

• The ape species has been named after a Star Wars hero and was first identified in China in 2017.
• Acoustic monitoring of the gibbon’s morning songs and non-invasive DNA sampling techniques were used to determine the species’ range.
• Skywalker gibbons in Myanmar are threatened by local habitat loss and degradation.

About Skywalker Gibbon

• Scientific Name: Hoolock tianxing (primate of the Hylobatidae family)
• IUCN Status: Endangered
• Habitat: They are found in the forests of the Gaoligong mountains, at the border between southwest China and northern Myanmar.
• • Geographical Distribution: Located between the North Mai Hka and Ayarwaddy rivers to the west and the Salween river to the east.
• Population size: Less than 150 individuals are known to exist in China and the population in Myanmar is unknown. 
  • It is one of three species of hoolock gibbon and is considered most endangered.
• Distinguishing Feature: Key differences between this species and its close relative, the eastern hoolock gibbon, include thinner eyebrows, a black or brown beard instead of a white one and incomplete white face rings on the females.
• Sleeping Habits: They sleep in trees, most often with their knees bent to their chests and their arms wrapped around themselves,
  • They usually sleep in the tallest trees and on hilltops or slopes.

News Source: Wildlife

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