Western Black Crested Gibbon

The western black crested gibbon is a long-armed, tailless ape showing pronounced adult color differences. Mature males are predominantly black and possess an upright crown crest, whereas females develop a yellowish or buff coat with contrasting dark areas on the crown and underside. Like other gibbons, it has elongated hands and arms suited to rapid arm-swinging through the canopy. Its recognized range covers southwestern China, northern Vietnam and northwestern Laos. (Animal Diversity Web; Mammal Diversity Database)

Black crested gibbons are diurnal and arboreal, living in small social groups that maintain territories with loud calls and coordinated songs. Research in Yunnan found a seasonally variable diet in which leaves and fruit received similar feeding time; figs, buds and flowers became important at different times of year, while insects, eggs and other small organisms were also eaten. Groups may remain for several days in food-rich valleys before crossing less productive forest. (Animal Diversity Web)