Hobbies And Interests
Physical Description
Silvery gibbons are small apes with silver-gray fur and dark faces. The top of their head is a dark gray color. Adult weight is about 13 lbs. Unlike many tree-dwelling primates, silvery gibbons have no tail. Long arms enable them to swing effectively through the tree canopy.
Habitat
Preferred habitat is dense primary rain forest canopy. According to Blue Planet Biomes, "They need a wide variety of tree species, which will fruit at different times of the year, to support them." Plenty of horizontal forest growth is ideal for silvery gibbon movement through the trees.
Diet
Silvery gibbons are primarily frugivorous, eating fruit from the forest. During the day they may cover long distances in search of food, swinging rapidly from branch to branch with their long arms. According to Animal Diversity Web, "Molochs have also been observed eating leaves and flowers." Occasionally, they may eat insects.
Behavior
Silvery gibbons maintain territories of about 42 acres. These primates are monogamous with mated pairs staying together. The typical gibbon group consists of one mated pair and up to four offspring. The head female makes a loud, distinctive call that can be heard for nearly a mile. This warns other gibbons that are not part of the family group to stay away. If the call is not enough of a warning, the head male chases off any interlopers.
Reproduction
According to Animal Diversity Web, a gibbon pair produces about five to six babies over a reproductive life span of 10 to 20 years. In the vast majority of cases, each female gives birth to one baby at a time. A silvery gibbon fetus remains in the womb for seven to eight months. Mothers nurse young gibbons for about a year.