The White-handed Gibbon has a small body size, with their arms relatively longer than their legs. They have a body length of 44 - 63 cm (just under three feet) and an average weight of 14 pounds. White-handed Gibbons have a white face ring and white hands and feet. To provide protection from the rain they have extremely dense fur. White-handed Gibbons do not have a tail.

They are found in Thailand, the Malaysian peninsula, and the northern third of Sumatra. Gibbons live in small family groups consisting of the mated pair and their immature offspring. Gibbons spend their entire lives in the tall trees of tropical rainforests, and can leap 30 feet from one tree to another.

There is no particular breeding season. Young are born about every 2 - 4 years . When born, White-handed Gibbons are hairless except for a cap of fur on the top of their head. They must be sheltered by the mother to keep warm. White-handed Gibbons live about 30 - 40 years.

White-handed Gibbons eat fruit, young leaves, birds eggs, and a few invertebrates. Gibbons show a preference for fleshy, sugary fruit and figs. They protect their territory by loud singing and spectacular gymnastics, which is a show of force. Destruction of the Rainforests and poaching are the primary threats to the survival of the White-handed Gibbon.

 

 

Animals of Asian Rainforests!