Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Primates
- Family
- Hylobatidae
- Genus
- Hoolock
- Species
- Hoolock moloch
Habitat
They primarily inhabit tropical and subtropical evergreen forests, as well as mixed deciduous forests in hilly and mountainous regions. Eastern Hoolock Gibbons are found in Northeast India, Bangladesh, and Myanmar, preferring areas with dense canopy cover for movement and feeding. They avoid open areas and human settlements due to habitat fragmentation.
Diet
Their diet consists mainly of fruits, leaves, and flowers, with occasional insects and young shoots for protein. They are primarily frugivorous and feed in the upper canopy during the early morning and late afternoon. Feeding behavior involves selective foraging, where they spend significant time searching for ripe fruits in their territory.
Behavior
Eastern Hoolock Gibbons live in small family groups consisting of a monogamous pair and their offspring, exhibiting strong territorial behavior defended through loud, duet songs. They are diurnal and arboreal, spending most of their time swinging through trees and rarely descending to the ground. These gibbons are highly vocal, with morning duets serving to reinforce pair bonds and warn off intruders.
Conservation Status
The IUCN classifies the Eastern Hoolock Gibbon as Endangered, with populations declining due to habitat loss from deforestation and hunting. Major threats include fragmentation of forest habitats and the illegal pet trade.