The Indonesian government has recently turned its attention to safeguarding the habitat of a threatened primate species, the Javan Gibbon – also known as the Silvery Gibbon (Hylobates moloch). These efforts come in response to the growing threats posed by climate change and human intrusion on its natural habitat. The species is further endangered as it is often hunted for its meat and also captured for the pet trade.
About the Javan Gibbon
The Javan or Silvery Gibbon is a unique primate that typically lives in groups, usually just in pairs. The species is native to the Indonesian island of Java, where it occupies undisturbed rainforests up to an altitude of 2,450 m. Interestingly, this ape plays a key role in regenerating forest vegetation as it disperses seeds from the fruits it consumes. Currently, it is estimated that around 4,000 Javan gibbons remain in the wild.
In 2004, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) declared the Javan gibbon as critically endangered. However, thanks to conservation efforts, the species status improved to endangered as per IUCN criteria. Despite this improvement, more recent IUCN estimates indicate a troubling decline in their population.
The Habitat of the Javan Gibbon
The wild population of Javan Gibbons is exclusively found on the Indonesian island of Java. It’s worth noting that this species is not found in India; the sole representative of the gibbon family in India is the Hoolock Gibbon.
Protection Status of the Javan Gibbon
According to the IUCN, the Javan gibbon is currently classified as endangered. Additionally, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) includes this primate in its Appendix I, which lists species that are the most endangered among CITES-listed animals and plants. This means international trade in specimens of these species is permitted only in exceptional circumstances.
To summarize, the Javan Gibbon’s survival is increasingly threatened by climate change, habitat destruction due to human intrusion, hunting, and the pet trade. However, with concerted efforts from the Indonesian government and global conservation agencies, it’s possible to protect and preserve this species for future generations. The protection of the Javan Gibbon also contributes to the maintenance of biodiversity and health of our planet’s ecosystems.
Source: IE