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Gibbon

Gibbons are small apes in the family Hylobatidae, native to tropical and subtropical forests in Southeast Asia.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Gibbons are small apes in the family Hylobatidae, native to tropical and subtropical forests in Southeast Asia. They are known for their long arms, tailless bodies, and highly agile brachiating movement through the trees. The family includes about 20 living species placed in four genera.

Classification

Gibbons are lesser apes in the family Hylobatidae within the primate order. Modern classifications recognize four living genera and around 20 species.

Physical characteristics

Gibbons have long arms, no tail, and a slender body adapted for life in the trees. Species vary in size, but most are relatively small compared with great apes.

Behaviour and ecology

Gibbons are primarily arboreal and use brachiation to move quickly through forest canopies. They are mostly fruit-eaters, though their diet can also include leaves, insects, and other small animal matter.

Vocalization and social structure

Gibbons are notable for loud species-specific calls, including duet-like songs used in communication and territory marking. They usually live in small monogamous groups that defend territories.

Key facts

  • Gibbons are apes, not monkeys, and belong to the family Hylobatidae.
  • They are the smallest living apes and are adapted to an arboreal lifestyle.
  • Gibbons move by brachiation, swinging from branch to branch with their arms.
  • They are diurnal and typically live in small territorial social groups.
  • Many species are known for loud, complex vocalizations used in communication and territorial defence.

Frequently asked questions

Are gibbons apes or monkeys?
Gibbons are apes. More specifically, they are lesser apes in the family Hylobatidae.
Where do gibbons live?
Gibbons live in tropical and subtropical forests across Southeast Asia, with ranges including parts of Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand.
How many species of gibbon are there?
There are about 20 living species, usually grouped into four genera.
How do gibbons move?
They mainly move by brachiation, swinging from branch to branch using their long arms.
What do gibbons eat?
Their diet is mostly fruit, but they also eat leaves, insects, and occasionally bird eggs or young birds.
Why are gibbons well known?
They are known for their agility in trees and for loud, musical vocalizations that can carry over long distances.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gibbon
    Supports: General classification, range, genera, and broad biological description of gibbons.
  2. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/animal/gibbon-primate
    Supports: Family classification, number of species, movement, diet, vocalizations, and social behaviour.
  3. Merriam-Webster — https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gibbon
    Supports: Definition of gibbon as a family of agile, brachiating tailless apes.