Things are starting to look good for the gravely endangered Hainan gibbon as conservationists validate the presence of a newly formed pair outside of their known range. The duo has since then brought the species' numbers and family populace to the most flourishing state they've been in many decades.
Recap on the Hainan Gibbon
The Hainan gibbon, scientifically known as Nomascus hainanus, is a highly endangered primate species located in a small portion of the forest on the tropical islands of Hainan in the South China Sea.
Also called the Hainan black-crested gibbon, males have a black coat of fur, while females have their fur turned into a vibrant golden color after they completely reach adulthood.
An estimated population of about 2,000 Hainan gibbons were documented living in tropical forests across 12 counties in Hainan back in the 1950s. However, poaching and habitat loss drastically brought the species' decrease in population. By the 1970s, less than ten individual Hainan gibbons were left in the Bawangling forest.
Furthermore, in a population survey in 2013, a shocking number of just 13 individual species were seen. These 13 gibbons made up two groups of their population.
More Gibbons to Come
Fortunately enough, recent reports say that the species now seem to be expanding their territory. Researchers from the Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden and Hainan Wildlife Conservation and Management Bureau have reported in the journal Oryx their discovery of a newly formed pair of Hainan gibbons on June 1, 2020.
The gibbons were reported to be spotted some eight kilometers north of their predicted range. Locals first spotted the pair back in October 2019 and were later on confirmed by scientists after documenting their "duet", a distinctive call between males and females.
Scientists now determine that since discovering the pair, the species has now established at least five different family groups made up of more than 30 individuals. Although the species still has a long way to go, experts believe that the future is indeed brighter for the Hainan gibbons.
A Little Effort Goes a Long Way
Bringing the gibbon's numbers to where it currently proves to be no easy feat, according to conservationists at the KFBG. For years, they have been helping the Hainan gibbons with several carefully outlined and coordinated conservation strategies on the island.
As part of their effort, the KFBG and members of the local community even resorted to tempting the gibbons back with their favorite food. They planted about 80,000 seedlings from 51 native tree species in the degraded lowland forest of Hainan. This meager but momentous victory shows their efforts were fruitful.
According to Philip Lo, a conservation officer at KFBG in charge of the Hainan Gibbon conservation project, their main conservation measures consisted of funding and training two gibbon monitoring teams, sponsoring researchers in studying the species, and overseeing annual population census.
In addition, it also involved planting the species' favorite native food trees from a local nursery, promoting viable agriculture and administering awareness-raising programs among the local community.
Furthermore, Lo reported that a third family group formed back in 2011, a fourth in 2015, and finally, a fifth this year, which is the largest family group ever recorded for the species in about 40 years.
