Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Primates
- Family
- Hylobatidae
- Genus
- Hoolock
Habitat
This gibbon inhabits tropical rainforests and mixed dipterocarp forests on the island of Borneo, particularly in hilly and mountainous regions. They prefer areas with tall, continuous canopy for movement and are often found at elevations up to 1,500 meters.
Diet
Muller's Bornean gibbon primarily eats ripe fruits such as figs and berries, supplemented with young leaves, flowers, and occasionally insects. They forage in the upper canopy during the day, using their keen eyesight to spot food. Feeding behavior includes selective fruit-picking to avoid unripe items.
Behavior
They live in small family groups consisting of a mated pair and their offspring, defending territories through loud, melodious duets sung at dawn. Muller's Bornean gibbons are diurnal and highly arboreal, spending most of their time swinging through the forest canopy. They exhibit strong pair bonds and playful interactions among juveniles, but can be territorial towards other groups.
Conservation Status
Muller's Bornean gibbon is classified as Endangered by the IUCN, with populations declining due to habitat loss from logging and palm oil plantations. Major threats include fragmentation of forests and hunting for the pet trade.