Vietnam has another natural treasure: the most romantic ape in the world. No, it’s not this guy… it’s the Gibbon. Gibbons are an endangered species of lesser apes. Recently, they were found in the forest of Vietnam’s Pu Mat national park. Conservation International calls it “the only known ‘viable’ community of the critically endangered northern white-cheeked crested gibbon” (Nomascus leucogenys).
What makes the Gibbon so romantic? Well, for one, they mate for life. Once they’ve paired up, they raise a family and die together. On top of that, they sing to one another. In fact, the more synchronized their duet is, the stronger the bond. Gibbons with the best duets spend more time grooming one another, doing the same activities, and staying in closer proximity ( Geissman and Orgeldinger, 2000). While they do have an animal tendency to cheat, only about 12 percent have “extra-marital relationships” (Reichard 1995). I think we can safely say that’s a lower percentage than us homo sapiens.
I remember studying about Gibbons in anthropology at Berkeley. They literally changed my perspective on human relationships (if apes can stay together, so can we). I’m glad to know these honorable apes reside in the motherland.
Jump over to the Guardian for the article & pictures: Community of Rare Gibbons Discovered in Vietnam
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