Javan Gibbon

Javan Gibbon (Hylobates moloch) is a primate species of the Family Hylobatidae and the Genus Hylobates. They are endemic to Java and now found primarily in protected areas in West  and Central Java such as: Ujung Kulon National Park, Gunung Halimun National Park, Gunung Gede-Pangrango National Park, and Gunung Slamet.

H. moloch has very long forelimbs, long fingers and shorter thumbs with a variability in coat color from brown to silver or gray. Average head and body length for adult males and females ranges between 75.0-80.0 cm. Body weight ranges between 4.0-8.0 kg adult males and 4.0-7.0 kg for adult females.

The population of H. moloch in the wild is declining due to habitat loss or fragmentation. H. moloch is considered the most threatened endemic species among all gibbon species in Indonesia and is listed as an appendix 1 species in CITES. A recent report sponsored by Conservation International and prepared in conjuction with the World Conservation Union (IUCN) identified H. moloch as one of the 25 most endangered primate species worldwide. Most recently, CBSG/IUCN listed H. moloch as critically endangered. The cover and profile photographs were taken at Taman Safari Indonesia, Cisarua, Bogor, Indonesia.

Photo by: Entang Iskandar

disadur dari: Jurnal Primatologi Indonesia (Volume 3, Nomor 2, Desember 2000)