Gibbon Facts
Gibbon Facts
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| Interesting Gibbon Facts: |
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| Gibbons are small and lightweight apes. They can reach 17 to 25 inches in length and weigh between 9 and 29 pounds. Males are larger than females. |
| Color of the fur depends on the species. It can be light brown, dark brown or black. |
| Gibbon has very long arms, flexible shoulders and strong legs which facilitate movement in the treetops. |
| Gibbons are arboreal animals (they spend their life in the trees). |
| They move by jumping from one branch to another. Four fingers on their hands form a "hook" which ensures solid grip of the branches. This unique way of moving is also known as brachiating. |
| Gibbon can jump distance of 50 feet at the speed of 35 miles per hour after single swing. Gibbon is the fastest non-flying arboreal mammal. |
| Gibbon walks using only legs (bipedal walking). Arms are used for balancing. They walk on two legs both on the ground and on the trees. |
| Gibbons avoid water because they don't swim. |
| Gibbons are diurnal animals (active during the day). They sleep in the trees, in the upright position. They don't build nests. Instead, they use forked branches as beds. |
| Gibbons are omnivores (they eat both plants and animals). Their diet consists mainly of fruit, but they also eat different types of seed, shoots, flowers and insects. |
| Gibbons live in family groups composed of breeding couple and their offspring. Gibbons are monogamous (one couple mate for life) and they form very strong bonds with family members. Grooming plays important role in their social life. |
| Gibbons are territorial animals that usually live on a territory of 25 to 40 hectares. They fiercely defend their home. |
| Gibbons are highly intelligent animals. They can recognize themselves in the mirror. Also, they are able to communicate via various songs. Songs usually last 10 to 30 minutes and both males and females perform them. Main purpose of the song is to announce presence of the group on a certain territory. |
| Pregnancy in females lasts 7 months and ends with a single baby. Young gibbon depends on the mother's milk during the first year of life. Both parents take care of their offspring until they reach sexual maturity and become ready to form their own family group. |
| Gibbon can survive up to 25 years in the wild. |
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