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Are Hylobates lar Extirpated from China?
International Journal of Primatology
|August 1, 2009
Summary
The lar gibbon (Hylobates lar) may be extinct in China, with no evidence found in its presumed last refuge. Habitat destruction and hunting are cited as primary causes for this potential extinction event.
Area of Science:
- Primate conservation
- Biodiversity research
- Wildlife ecology
Background:
- Nangunhe Nature Reserve in Yunnan, China, was considered the last habitat for the lar gibbon (Hylobates lar).
- The subspecies Hylobates lar yunnanensis was thought to persist only in this region.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a comprehensive survey assessing the current status of lar gibbons in Nangunhe Nature Reserve.
- To determine if lar gibbons still inhabit their presumed last stronghold in China.
Main Methods:
- Field surveys were conducted within the Nangunhe Nature Reserve.
- Data collection involved visual and auditory observations to detect gibbon presence.
Main Results:
- No visual or auditory evidence of lar gibbons was found during the comprehensive survey.
- The study found no indication that lar gibbons currently reside in the Nangunhe Nature Reserve.
Conclusions:
- Lar gibbons (Hylobates lar) are tentatively concluded to be extinct in China.
- Past habitat destruction and ongoing hunting pressures are identified as the likely drivers of extirpation.
- The broader situation for Chinese ape taxa is critical, with multiple species facing extinction.
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