Gibbon

m-ammals:

Gibbon

Gibbons are the animals we think of when we picture primates swinging gracefully through the rain forest.

These acrobatic mammals, endemic to the dense forests of southern Asia, are perfectly adapted to life in the trees and rarely descend to the ground. They have strong, hook-shaped hands for grasping branches, comically outsize arms for reaching faraway limbs, and long, powerful legs for propelling and gasping. Their shoulder joints are even specially adapted to allow greater range of motion when swinging.

Their dramatic form of locomotion, called brachiating, can move gibbons through the jungle at up to 35 miles (56 kilometers) an hour, bridging gaps as wide as 50 feet (15 meters) with a single swinging leap. Brachiating also gives gibbons the unique advantage of being able to swing out and grab fruits growing at the end of branches, which limits competition for their favorite foods.

When gibbons walk, whether along branches or in the rare instances when they descend to the ground, they often do so on two feet, throwing their arms above their head for balance. They are the most bipedal of all non-human primates and are often studied for clues to what evolutionary pressures may have led to human walking.

There are 15 recognized species of gibbons ranging from northeastern India to southern China to Borneo. They are all tailless, and their long coats vary from cream to brown to black. Many have white markings on their faces, hands, and feet. The largest species are known as siamangs, and can grow to 29 pounds (13 kilograms). Smaller species reach only about nine pounds (four kilograms).

Gibbons thrive on the abundant fruit trees in their tropical range, and are especially fond of figs. They will occasionally supplement their diet with leaves and insects.

Gibbons are monogamous (a rare trait among primates) and live in family groups consisting of an adult pair and their young offspring. The family will stake out a territory and defend it using loud, haunting calls that can echo for miles throughout the forest. Mated pairs, and even whole families, will sing long, complex songs together. Some species have even adapted large throat pouches to amplify their calls.

These iconic tree dwellers are among the most threatened primates on Earth. Their habitat is disappearing at a rapid rate, and they are often captured and sold as pets or killed for use in traditional medicines. All but one species of gibbon is listed as endangered or critically endangered.

Source

Marmoset by Tambako

Tamarin by Moyan_Brenn

Mandrill

Bonobos

Gorilla

Bonobos

Coquerel’s Sifaka

Chimpanzee Baby

Bili Ape

m-ammals:

Bili Ape

Sometimes referred to as the “bondo mystery ape”, the Bili ape is a species of giant chimpanzee that was long believed to be merely a myth. Inhabiting the Bili forest of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the giant chimp has the appearance, behavior, and dietof a common chimpanzee, but often nests on the ground like a gorilla, and approaches the immense size of a gorilla (not as heavy but much taller than other chimps).

A species full of strange behaviors, the Bili feeds mainly off of fruits and vegetables, but legend has it that they been seen to slay lions. They also aren’t known to show any aggression towards humans. While a common gorilla will charge a group of humans and attack, the Bili ape has been observed to come up to humans showing no fear or aggression, just mild recognition of a similar creature. Perhaps they have been lucky or smart enough to stay away from most people as some in the region eat “bush meat”.

Within the species, there are two different types of behavioral patterns. First, there’s the “tree beaters”, who locals have observed to be slightly smaller, nest in the trees, and can be taken down with poison arrows, more like a chimp. Then there’s the “lion killers”, who are larger, can’t be taken down with poison arrows, and nest on the ground. Although they haven’t been observed on too many occasions, the Bili is said to have a very flat face, a hanging brow ridge, gray hair very early in life, and about the same size as a full-grown human. They can stand on their feet and walk some distances upright.

Many scientists have come to believe that the Bili ape is some kind of missing evolutionary link between chimps and humans. Brief but significant observations of the ape only began about 5 years ago so we will eagerly wait for more scientist to go deep into the Congo looking for the mystery ape.

Source

 Baboon by Benketaro

Proboscis Monkey

Young Sloth by Verte Ruelle

Silvery Marmoset (by Glisglis)

White-cheeked Gibbons by rogersmithpix