Head to head
Cao Vit Gibbon vs Western Black Crested Gibbon
Cao Vit Gibbon
VS Western Black Crested Gibbon
The Cao Vit gibbon and western black crested gibbon are close relatives in the crested gibbon genus Nomascus, both Critically Endangered and both confined to forests on the border of southern China and northern Vietnam.
| Cao Vit Gibbon | Western Black Crested Gibbon | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Nomascus nasutus | Nomascus concolor |
| Relationship | A close relative of the western black crested gibbon, in the same genus | A close relative of the Cao Vit gibbon, in the same genus |
| Colour | Males are black with a tall crest on the head, and females are golden-buff with a dark patch on the crown | Males are entirely black, and females are buff or golden |
| Range | Limestone forest on the border between northern Vietnam and southern China | Rainforest and mountain habitat in a limited region of southern China and northern Vietnam |
| Population | About a hundred animals, growing slowly under protection | Collapsed dramatically, and confined to a handful of isolated mountain forest patches |
| Song | Pairs sing duets that mark their territory and strengthen the pair bond | Monogamous pairs sing coordinated duets used to defend territory and reinforce the pair bond |
| Recent history | Feared extinct for decades before a small population was found in northern Vietnam in 2002 | Hit by hunting and the clearing of mountain forest across its range |
| Conservation status | Critically Endangered, with a slowly increasing population | Critically Endangered, with a decreasing population |
Cao Vit Gibbon vs Western Black Crested Gibbon: common questions
Which crested gibbon was rediscovered in 2002?
The Cao Vit gibbon, which was feared extinct for decades before a small population was found in northern Vietnam.
How can you tell male and female crested gibbons apart?
Males are black, and females are buff or golden, a colour difference dramatic enough that the sexes can look like different species.
Where do the Cao Vit and western black crested gibbons live?
The Cao Vit gibbon lives in limestone forest on the Vietnam-China border, while the western black crested gibbon lives in rainforest and mountain habitat in southern China and northern Vietnam.