World’s rarest ape numbers double after FFI survey
30/01/2007
The population of the world's rarest ape, the cao vit gibbon, is now double what was previously thought, after the most comprehensive survey of the species so far, undertaken by Fauna & Flora International (FFI) in Vietnam and China.
Watch FFI's video of the cao vit gibbon's rainforest acrobatics.
Only about 50 gibbons were previously thought to exist, but the recent survey estimates that approximately 110 now inhabit the forests along the border between the two countries. The survey was the result of an unprecedented cross-border collaboration between Vietnam and China, and its findings will enhance the effectiveness of conservation efforts to protect this Critically Endangered species. The study also captured the first detailed photos of the species in the wild as well as video footage.
In early September 2007, survey teams of biologists, government rangers and local villagers led by FFI surveyed forest on both sides of the China-Vietnam border for cao vit gibbon groups, counting them either by sight or by recording their evocative songs. Preliminary estimates suggest that as many as 20 family groups survive. In addition, gibbons are now being reported from parts of the forest they had not previously been recorded in. People from Lung Hoai Village in Vietnam told project staff that they are now hearing gibbon songs near their village where they didn’t before.
The survey demonstrates the success so far of efforts to protect the gibbon. FFI was able to carry out the survey due to the successful training and participation of local people and the support of local government partners. We have made steady progress on the conservation of the species; in 2007, we helped to establish the Cao Vit Gibbon Conservation Area in Vietnam, and a nature reserve is currently being planned in China.
Gibbons are apes, like chimps, gorillas and orangutans, and are thus closely related to humans. Native to the forests of Southeast Asia, they are considered to be among nature’s greatest acrobats. Cao vit gibbons live in close-knit family groups comprising a male, 1 - 2 females and 2 - 5 offspring. They also make distinct and complex bird-like calls, called a 'song', which they can project up to two kilometres through the forest canopy. Adult family members sing both duets and solos (with the male and female singing different parts) in the early morning to defend their territory. This haunting melody has become part of the folklore of the indigenous people of Southeast Asia.
Watch a short video below with amazing footage of the gibbons’ acrobatics and recordings of their mesmerising song.
Download a summary of the FFI Vietnam gibbon project
Photographs are available upon request.
FFI Communications team:
Rebecca Foges
Communications Officer
Tel: +44 (0)1223 579 491
rebecca.foges@fauna-flora.org
Sarah Chancel
Communications Officer
Tel: +44 (0)1223 579 332
sarah.chancel@fauna-flora.org
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