Mammals
Western Black Crested Gibbon
Nomascus concolor · also called black crested gibbon
A coordinated duet echoes across an isolated patch of mountain forest as one of the last remaining pairs of western black crested gibbons announces its territory, a species so rare that its entire global population survives in only a handful of fragmented forest patches.
Overview
The western black crested gibbon, Nomascus concolor, is one of the rarest primate species in the world, native to rainforest and mountain habitat within a limited region spanning southern China and northern Vietnam. Its dramatic collapse to a small number of isolated populations, striking colour difference between black males and golden females, and daily coordinated territorial duets make it one of the most conservation-critical apes found anywhere on Earth.
An ape on the edge of disappearing entirely
Reduced by hunting and habitat loss to a scattering of isolated mountain forest patches, the western black crested gibbon’s survival now depends on protecting and reconnecting the very last remnants of the forest it calls home.
Status
Critically Endangered, with a population collapsed by hunting and extensive habitat loss to a small number of isolated mountain forest patches across southern China and northern Vietnam.
Western Black Crested Gibbon: common questions
Why is the western black crested gibbon considered one of the rarest primates?
This species has suffered a dramatic population collapse due to hunting and extensive habitat loss across its range in southern China and northern Vietnam, leaving its entire remaining population confined to a small number of isolated mountain forest patches.
Why do male and female western black crested gibbons look so different?
This species shows striking sexual dichromatism, with males entirely black and females a buff or golden colour, a colour difference dramatic enough that the two sexes can appear to be entirely different species at first glance, similar to the pattern seen in the black howler monkey.
Does the western black crested gibbon sing duets like other gibbons?
Yes, this species lives in monogamous pairs that sing coordinated vocal duets, a behaviour shared across the entire gibbon family used to defend territory and reinforce the pair bond between mates.
Where does the western black crested gibbon live?
This species is native to rainforest and mountain habitat within a limited region spanning southern China and northern Vietnam, with its remaining populations restricted to increasingly isolated fragments of high-altitude forest.