Müller's gibbon

Müller's gibbon (Hylobates muelleri),^[2] also known as the southern grey gibbon, is a primate in the gibbon family, Hylobatidae.

Müller's gibbon[1]
Conservation status
Endangered  (IUCN 3.1)[2]
CITES Appendix I (CITES)[3]
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Mammalia
Order:	Primates
Suborder:	Haplorhini
Infraorder:	Simiiformes
Family:	Hylobatidae
Genus:	Hylobates
Species:	H. muelleri
Binomial name
Hylobates muelleri Martin, 1841
Müller's gibbon range

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.^[2][4][5][6]

Description

Unlike most gibbon species, Müller's gibbon does not show sexual dimorphism in its fur coloration. Its fur is grey- or brown-colored with a ring of bright fur around its face. On the head, it often has a darkly colored cap. Weighing between 4–8 kg, it ranks among the smaller of the gibbons.^[7]

Captive

Distribution and habitat

Müller's gibbon is endemic to Kalimantan in the island of Borneo, inhabiting the southeastern part of the island. It is found approximately south of the Mahakam River and east of the Barito River.^[2]

Behaviour

Southern grey gibbons are diurnal rain forest dwellers, characterized by the long arms that all gibbons have, with which they brachiate through the trees. They live together in monogamous pairs, and defend their family territory against intruders with long, loud singing. Their diet consists primarily of fruits. Little is known about the reproductive patterns of this species, but it is thought to be similar to that of other gibbon species.^[7]