Agile Gibbon

About the Agile Gibbon

The agile gibbon (Hylobates agilis), also called the black-handed gibbon, is an Old World primate, and is a part of the gibbon family. It is native to Indonesia, specifically, on the island of Sumatra. The agile gibbon can also be found in Malaysia, and southern Thailand. As appointed by the IUCN Red List, this species is endangered, and mainly due to the destruction of their habitat and pet trade.

The species is generally thought not to have subspecies, but some experts recognise a mountain form and a lowland form. Mountain agile gibbon, Hylobates agilis agilis Lowland agile gibbon, Hylobates agilis unko The agile gibbon has fur varying in color from black to red-brown. The brow is white, and the male can be recognized by his white or light-grey cheeks. Additionally, the male is slightly larger than the female. The agile gibbon weighs from 4 to 6 kg (8.8 to 13.2 lb) with an average of 5 kg (11 lb), though in captivity it can reach 8 kg (18 lb). It has a head and body length of 44–63.5 cm (17.3–25.0 in). Like all gibbons, it is tailless.

With its long arms they swing on branches, brachiating at a fast pace. Like all gibbons, it lives... Wikipedia →