Western hoolock gibbon

Status

There are numerous threats to western hoolock gibbons in the wild, and are now entirely dependent on human action for their survival. Threats include habitat encroachment by humans, forest clearance for tea cultivation, the practice of ''jhuming'' , hunting for food and “medicine”, capture for trade, and forest degradation.

Over the last 30–40 years, western hoolock gibbon numbers are estimated to have dropped from more than 100,000 to less than 5,000 individuals . In 2009 it was considered to be one of the 25 most endangered primates,
though it has been dropped from the later editions of the list.

Habitat

In India and Bangladesh it is found where there is contiguous canopy, broad-leaved, wet evergreen and semi-evergreen forests dipterocarpus forest often mountainous. The species is an important seed disperser; its diet includes mostly ripe fruits, with some flowers, leaves and shoots.

Food

Hoolock gibbons feed mostly on various fruits, with some leaves, flowers and insects.