The growing population was resultant from China's intensified efforts to protect the species, said an official with the 64-sq km heavily forested Bawangling state nature reserve, where the primates live.

In the 1950s, about 2,000 black-headed gibbons roamed the primitive tropical forests on Hainan island's central and western parts. But the figure had dropped to seven by 1980 when a nature reserve around Bawangling was set up, due to excessive tree felling and poaching, according to the official.

A range of measures has been taken to protect the endangered primate since the nature reserve was set up. And a ban on wanton tree felling and severe penalties for poachers have been introduced.

To step up observation of the primates, 20 more workers joined the nature reserve this July, boosting the previous three observation centers to eight.

The protection measures have led to a better natural habitat for the timid gibbons, which in turn has contributed to the increase in their numbers. In a rare sighting, a baby gibbon was spotted in late November this year, said the official.

Gibbons receive top state protection in China. The State Postal Bureau issued a special set of four stamps featuring the small ape on December 7 in a bid to raise people's awareness of their protected status.

(Xinhua News Agency December 12, 2002)