Agile gibbon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Agile gibbon |
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| A male agile gibbon | |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Hylobates
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| Species: |
agilis
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| Agile gibbon range | |
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The agile gibbon (Hylobates agilis), also known as the black-handed gibbon, is a type of primate that lives in Asia. It belongs to the gibbon family. These amazing animals are found in Indonesia, especially on the island of Sumatra. You can also find them in Malaysia and southern Thailand. Sadly, the agile gibbon is an endangered animal. This means there aren't many left in the wild. Their homes are being destroyed, and some are illegally taken for the pet trade.
Contents
What Does an Agile Gibbon Look Like?
Agile gibbons have fur that can be many colors. It ranges from black to a reddish-brown. They have a white stripe above their eyes. Male agile gibbons can be easily spotted by their white or light-grey cheeks.
Size and Weight
Males are usually a little bigger than females. An agile gibbon typically weighs about 4 to 6 kilograms (9 to 13 pounds). The average weight is 5 kilograms (11 pounds). In zoos, they can sometimes grow larger, reaching up to 8 kilograms (18 pounds). Their body length, from head to tail, is about 44 to 63.5 centimeters (17 to 25 inches). Like all gibbons, they do not have a tail.
How Do Agile Gibbons Behave?
Agile gibbons are known for their incredible agility. They use their long arms to swing quickly through the trees. This way of moving is called brachiation.
Family Life and Territory
Like all gibbons, agile gibbons live in small family groups. They usually form a monogamous pair, meaning one male and one female. They strictly protect their home area, called a territory. They defend it with loud calls and special movements.
What Do They Eat?
The main food for agile gibbons is fruit, so they are mostly frugivorous. However, they also enjoy eating leaves, flowers, and even insects.
Raising Young
Female agile gibbons give birth to one baby at a time. The baby grows inside the mother for about seven months. Young gibbons drink their mother's milk until they are almost 2 years old. When they are fully grown, around 8 years old, they leave their family. They then search for a mate and start their own family group.
Where Do Agile Gibbons Live?
Agile gibbons live in the rainforests of Sumatra, an island in Indonesia. You can find them southeast of Lake Toba and the Singkil River. They also live in a small part of the Malay Peninsula and southern Thailand, near the Malaysian border. These gibbons spend almost all their time in the trees. They rarely come down to the ground.
