Müller's gibbon or the southern grey gibbon (Hylobates muelleri)
Müller's gibbon (Hylobates muelleri), also known as the southern grey gibbon, is a primate in the gibbon family, Hylobatidae.
Taxonomy
Formerly, the western grey gibbon (H. abbotti) and eastern grey gibbon (H. funereus) were considered conspecific with H. muelleri, but more recent studies indicate that all three are distinct species, and both the IUCN Red List and the American Society of Mammalogists consider them such.
Appearance
Unlike other gibbons, there is no marked difference in coat colour between males and females. Both sexes have a grey or brown coat, lighter on the muzzle. There is usually a dark spot on the head.
Hylobates muelleri is one of the smallest gibbons, weighing between 4 and 8 kg and with a body length of between 44 and 62 cm.
Habitat
Hylobates muelleri is endemic to Kalimantan and inhabits the north and east of the island. The species is found in several protected areas, including Betung Kerihun, Kutai and Tanjungputing National Parks, among others. Grey gibbons inhabit tropical rainforests.
Behaviour and nutrition
They spend most of their time in the trees, moving through the canopy with their long arms. Gibbons are active during the day. They live in pairs or small family groups of 3-4 individuals, protecting their territory from other pairs. The diet of Hylobates muelleri consists mainly of ripe fruit, they also eat leaves, although in smaller quantities. Little is known about the sexual behaviour of these primates, but it is thought to differ little from that of other gibbons.
Reproduction
Gibbons reach sexual maturity at the age of 8-9 years. They form stable, often lifelong pairs. After a gestation of 7 months, the female gives birth to an offspring which remains with the parents for at least 2 years.
The life expectancy of Hylobates muelleri is up to 25 years in the wild and up to 45 years in zoos.
Subspecies
- Hylobates muelleri abbotti;
- Hylobates muelleri funereus;
- Hylobates muelleri muelleri muelleri.
