Hainan Black-Crested Gibbon

• Common Names: Hainan Crested Gibbon, Hainan Gibbon
• Taxonomy Classification Year: 1892
• Monkey Size: 48.4 to 49.1 cm (19.05 to 19.33)
• Skin Color(s): Brownish buff or black
• Habitat: Rainforest, mountains
• Diet: Omnivorous
• Native Countries: China

The Hainan Black-crested Gibbon^[1] (Nomascus hainanus), also known as Hainan gibbon, is an endangered species of gibbon only found on China’s Hainan Island.

• Adult males and juveniles have an all-black coat, while females are tan with black hairs appearing on their limbs as they age.
• Both males and females have a large crest of black fur on their heads.
• The crest measures about 10 by 3 cm. Also, females have distinctive white rings on their faces.
• Babies are born reddish brown and turn black in 5-6 months.

• Hainan black-crested gibbons are found in social groups of females, infants, juveniles, and sometimes males.
• Often, they perform morning duets between female and male pairs.
• Hainan black-crested gibbons are one of only 3 gibbon species where the female species makes vocalizations during mating.
• Choosing trees to roost is an anti-predator behavior for gibbons. Often, they roost in the tallest trees in an area that protects them from most terrestrial predators.
• Hainan black-crested gibbons have acquired specific reproductive adaptations in response to their severely reduced natural habitat.