At a glance
- IUCN category
- EN · Endangered
- Animal group
- Mammals
- Population trend
- Decreasing
- Last verified
Conservation overview
The western hoolock gibbon is a small ape with striking white brows, the only ape native to India. It is assessed as Endangered.
Pairs sing loud duets and swing through the canopy.
Range & habitat
Forests of north-eastern India, Bangladesh, and western Myanmar.
Major threats
Threats below are drawn from the authoritative sources listed on this page. For the current, complete assessment, see the IUCN Red List.
- Deforestation and fragmentation
- Hunting
- Capture
Why it matters
The only ape found in India and a fast-moving seed disperser, the western hoolock gibbon is a flagship for north-east India's threatened forests.
Reference uses the former genus Bunopithecus.
Sources
Sources for Western Hoolock Gibbon
- IUCN Red List — look up Western Hoolock Gibbon (authoritative status)
- Animal Diversity Web
Frequently Asked Questions
What is distinctive about hoolock gibbons?
They have prominent white brow markings, and males and females differ in colour; like other gibbons they sing loud duets and swing rapidly through the trees.
Why is the western hoolock gibbon Endangered?
Published assessments cite deforestation and fragmentation, hunting, and capture. See the IUCN Red List for the current assessment.
Last updated: