The northern white-cheeked gibbon (Nomascus leucogenys)
The northern white-cheeked gibbon (Nomascus leucogenys) is a Critically Endangered species of gibbon native to South East Asia. It is closely related to the southern white-cheeked gibbon (Nomascus siki), with which it was previously considered conspecific. The females of the two species are virtually indistinguishable in appearance.
The genome of N. leucogenys was sequenced and published in 2011.
Appearance and habitat area
Nomascus leucogenys is a species of hominoid primate of the family Hylobatidae. Nomascus leucogenys is widespread in northern Vietnam and Laos, where it inhabits tropical evergreen forests at an altitude of 200-1650 m above sea level. This species of gibbon is characterised by sexual dimorphism: males have black fur, except for white cheeks and a tuft of hair on the crown; females are reddish-brown, with a black stripe from the crown to the back of the head.
Nutrition and peculiarities
The diet of Nomascus leucogenys is based on the fruits, leaves and flowers of certain tree species, and only 10% of its diet consists of insects and other small animals. These gibbons have perhaps the most diverse set of vocal signals among gibbons, with female voices differing significantly from those of males.
Reproduction
Pregnancy in these primates lasts between 200 and 212 days. At birth, the young have light yellow fur and weigh about 500g. At one year of age, the young of both sexes are black with white hair on the cheeks and reach sexual maturity at 7-8 years of age.
