Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Primates
- Family
- Hylobatidae
- Genus
- Hoolock
- Species
- Hoolock muelleri
Habitat
Muller's grey gibbons primarily inhabit tropical rainforests in northern and eastern Borneo, including lowland and hill forests up to 1,200 meters. They prefer dense canopy areas with abundant trees for movement and food. These regions feature high humidity and year-round warmth.
Diet
Muller's grey gibbons mainly consume fruits like figs and berries, along with leaves, flowers, and insects for protein. They forage in the upper canopy during daylight hours, using their dexterous hands to pluck food. Feeding activity peaks in the early morning and late afternoon.
Behavior
Muller's grey gibbons live in small family groups of 2-6 individuals, typically a mated pair and their offspring, and they defend territories with loud, duet-like vocalizations. They are diurnal and highly arboreal, spending most of their time swinging through trees and rarely descending to the ground. These gibbons exhibit strong pair bonds and complex social interactions through singing.
Conservation Status
The IUCN classifies Muller's grey gibbon as Endangered, with populations declining due to habitat loss from logging and agriculture. Major threats include forest fragmentation and the illegal pet trade.