generaHylobates

Hylobates is a genus of small apes in the family Hylobatidae, commonly known as gibbons. They are among the most arboreal of the apes and are characterized by extremely long arms, a slender body, and the absence of a tail. They are highly adapted for brachiation, moving through the forest canopy with speed and agility.

Hylobates is one of four extant genera in Hylobatidae; the other three are Nomascus, Hoolock, and Symphalangus. Within Hylobates, several species have historically been placed here, including Hylobates lar (white-handed gibbon) and Hylobates pileatus (pileated gibbon). In recent taxonomic revisions, some species formerly placed in Hylobates have been reassigned to Nomascus, Hoolock, or Symphalangus.

They inhabit tropical forests across parts of Southeast Asia, including the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Borneo, and Java. Gibbons in this genus are highly social, typically living in small, monogamous family groups. They are known for loud, complex vocalizations, including duets between mates, which help defend territory. They rely largely on fruit for their diet, supplemented by leaves, shoots, and insects.

Reproduction results in usually one infant per birth, with extended parental care and social learning. Due to habitat loss, fragmentation, and hunting, many Hylobates species are threatened; several are classified as Endangered or Critically Endangered by the IUCN. Conservation efforts focus on habitat protection and reducing human-wildlife conflict to preserve these distinctive primates.