A pregnant Hainan gibbon swaying in the forest in Bawangling, the only habitat the gibbon still survives in. A team of biologists photographed the animals from a distance of 40 meters in late November 2006. 

 

Scientists from Hong Kong have discovered an extremely rare pregnant Hainan Gibbon in the Bawangling National Nature Reserve in southern China's Hainan Province.

 

The Hainan Gibbon is one of the most threatened species of primate in the world, with only 15 individuals still known to exist in the wild, in Bawangling National Nature Reserve. They have been allocated top priority conservation status in China.

 

Dr. Chan Pui Lok Bosco from Hong Kong's Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden says the expectant gibbon will be a mother by the end of the year, judging by the size of her abdomen. He said gibbons bear babies after seven or eight months of pregnancy.

 

The pregnant gibbon appears heavy and awkward, but Dr. Chan says she still shows normal behavior, sometimes sitting still for grooming, sometimes playing between the branches.

 

An official from the wildlife protection center at the Hainan Forestry Bureau, Wang Chundong, told Hainan Daily that national and international environmental protection organizations have paid a lot of attention to Hainan Gibbon.

 

As well as the increasing efforts from the Hainan provincial government and relevant departments, Wang Chundong says Hong Kong's Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden has donated money to set up observation stations and conservation teams. Saplings will also be planted across a large area to ensure a steady food supply for the gibbon.

 

(CRI November 27, 2006)