Did you know?

Did you know? Gibbons Feb 20 2008

Unlike most apes, gibbons form monogamous, usually life-long partnerships. About 3% of mammal species, which number more than 4 000, are monogamous.

Gibbons mate every two to three years, have a gestation period of seven to eight months, and give birth to single young which then live with their parents as part of a family unit. Families include the parents and up to four siblings.

Gibbons offspring are weaned after two years, and fully grown after six years, but they remain part of the family unit for a number of years before leaving to find a mate.

Watch the following Earth-Touch clips featuring gibbons, filmed in Thailand:
Gibbons swing through the trees
Showdown of the gibbons

White-handed gibbon
Image © Earth-Touch 2008