Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Primates
- Family
- Hylobatidae
- Genus
- Hoolock
- Species
- Hoolock muelleri
Habitat
They primarily inhabit tropical and subtropical evergreen forests in northeastern India, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. These gibbons prefer dense canopies in hilly or mountainous terrain, avoiding open areas and requiring tall trees for movement.
Diet
Their diet consists mainly of fruits, leaves, flowers, and insects, with a preference for ripe fruits from the forest canopy. They exhibit foraging behavior during the day, often in small groups, and may travel long distances to find food sources.
Behavior
Northern grey gibbons live in small family groups of 2-4 individuals, led by a dominant male, and are highly territorial, marking boundaries with loud, duet-like calls. They are diurnal and arboreal, spending most of their time swinging through trees using brachiation, and engage in grooming and playful interactions within their group.
Conservation Status
The western hoolock gibbon is classified as Endangered by the IUCN, with populations declining due to habitat loss from deforestation and hunting for the pet trade.