# Gibbon (*Hylobatidae*) Gibbons are playful apes that swing through trees using their long arms. They have a special call that can be heard from far away in the forest. - **Category:** [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/mammal) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Habitat:** Rainforest - **Also known as:** Lesser Ape ![Gibbon](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771426874/objects/6118.jpg) ## Appearance The Gibbon is a small, slender ape with exceptionally long, powerful arms. Its fur can vary widely from black, brown, or gray to cream, often with distinctive white rings around its face or brow, making it stand out. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Mammalia - **Order:** Primates - **Family:** Hylobatidae ## Interesting facts - Gibbons are the only apes that are truly monogamous, usually mating for life! - Gibbons often walk upright on two legs along branches, using arms for balance! - Many Gibbon species are Critically Endangered from habitat loss and the illegal pet trade! - Unlike other apes, Gibbons don't build nests; they simply sleep on a comfy branch! ## Special abilities - **Master Swinger:** Gibbon can swing through trees at incredible speeds thanks to their super-long arms and hooked hands, helping them travel far. - **Loud Singer:** Gibbon has a special throat sac that amplifies their loud, complex songs, helping them communicate and mark their territory. - **Acrobatic Leaper:** Gibbon can leap huge distances between trees using powerful leg muscles, helping them cross wide gaps in the canopy. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 44-63 cm - **Weight:** 4-13 kg - **Lifespan:** 25-30 years - **Speed:** 56 km/h - **Litter Size:** 1 - **Gestation:** 200-230 days ## Diet & Feeding Gibbons mainly munch on ripe fruits, but also enjoy leaves and flowers from the forest! - **Primary Foods:** Ripe fruits, Young leaves, Flowers, Insects - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** Clouded Leopard (*Neofelis nebulosa*) — A stealthy predator that ambushes Gibbons from above or below. - **Eaten by:** [Reticulated Python](https://www.snappit.app/explore/reticulated-python) (*Python reticulatus*) — Large constrictors that ambush Gibbons in trees or on the ground. - **Depends on:** Sacred Fig (*Ficus religiosa*) — Gibbons eat its fruit, helping disperse the fig's seeds. ## Traits - [Wildlife](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wildlife): Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats. - [Furry](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/furry): Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur. - [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring. - [Singing](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/singing): Singing animals produce complex vocalizations, often for purposes of attracting mates, defending territory, or communicating within their species. - [Arboreal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/arboreal): Arboreal animals live primarily in trees, utilizing them for shelter, food, and protection from predators. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Rainforest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/rainforest): This habitat trait refers to species found in tropical rainforests, characterized by high annual rainfall, high biodiversity, and dense tree cover. ## Collections - [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/mammals) ## Safety **Danger:** 2/5 · Low Admire gibbons from a safe distance and never try to touch or feed them. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Gibbon? Compare ears, muzzle, tail, feet and coat markings. Size is hard to judge without something nearby for scale, and young mammals may not have adult coloring yet. Mammal Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Gibbon? 44-63 cm ### How much does Gibbon weigh? 4-13 kg ### How long does Gibbon live? 25-30 years ### How fast can Gibbon move? 56 km/h ### What does Gibbon eat? Gibbons mainly munch on ripe fruits, but also enjoy leaves and flowers from the forest! ### Where is Gibbon usually found? Rainforest ### How does Gibbon hunt? Foraging ## Where to spot - [Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/natural-bridge-wildlife-ranch) — Texas, US · Zoo - [Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/omahas-henry-doorly-zoo-and-aquarium) — Nebraska, US · Aquarium - [Monkey Jungle](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/monkey-jungle) — Florida, US · Zoo - [Monkey World](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/monkey-world) — England, GB · Zoo - [Wales Ape and Monkey Sanctuary](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/wales-ape-and-monkey-sanctuary) — Wales, GB · Zoo - [Niabi Zoo](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/niabi-zoo) — Illinois, US · Zoo [View all places to see Gibbon](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/gibbon) ## More Mammals - [Eastern Fox Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-fox-squirrel) (*Sciurus niger*) - [Eastern Cottontail](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-cottontail) (*Sylvilagus floridanus*) - [Eastern Chipmunk](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-chipmunk) (*Tamias striatus*) - [California Ground Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/california-ground-squirrel) (*Otospermophilus beecheyi*) --- Source: [Gibbon: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/gibbon)