Zoo concerned by declining numbers of gibbons in wild
TWYCROSS Zoo says it is devastated to hear that the wild populations of each of its four gibbon species are declining rapidly, as highlighted in an update on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species.
Gibbons are acrobatic primates and are native to the treetops of forests in South East Asia. Their decline has come down to the fact that their habitats continue to be destroyed and converted into farmland, or used as fuel wood, leaving the gibbons with less space to live and reproduce.
Twycross Zoo, a conservation charity, is home to the largest collection of gibbons in Europe and cares for four of the 20 species, including the endangered Siamang, Pileated Gibbon, Agile Gibbon and the critically endangered Northern White-Cheeked Gibbon.
The zoo takes part in coordinated European Breeding Programmes and has successfully bred many offspring in its 57-year history, all of whom are continuing to keep the species thriving in captivity today.
Zoo curator Neil Dorman said: “It’s extremely sad to hear that wild populations of gibbons are continuing to decline, and this news has emphasised just how critical the ongoing work of zoos is to preserve endangered species.
“The ultimate goal of any conservation organisation or breeding programme is to have a genetically healthy population, if required, to repopulate the wild. Gibbons are classed as ‘lesser apes’, as they are smaller in size to great apes, but equally just as endangered and it’s more important than ever that we continue to work with conservation projects in South East Asia and inform our visitors of the plight of these species. We must continue to fight for their survival.”
Twycross Zoo supports conservation projects across the world including Fauna and Flora International (FFI), who specifically protect the Cao Vit Gibbon species in South East Asia.
The Cao Vit gibbon, also known as the Eastern Black Crested Gibbon, was thought to be extinct until it was rediscovered by FFI Vietnamese scientists in 2002. It is one of the most endangered primates in the world, with an estimated 135 individuals clinging to survival in a small, fragmented forest on the border between Vietnam and China.
The zoo’s support has contributed to funding ranger patrols and a memorandum of understanding agreement between Vietnam and China so that rangers can continue to track this critically endangered species between countries.
Visitors to Twycross Zoo can find out more about its four species of gibbons, as well as the threats all wild gibbons face in its new virtual animal talk, available to watch via the zoos’ app from Gibbon Forest.
Twycross Zoo relies on the generosity of its supporters to continue its vital, worldwide conservation work and has recently launched its Summer of Survival campaign highlighting how making a small gesture can make a huge difference. For further information, or to book tickets, donate, join as a member or adopt an animal, visit www.twycrosszoo.org/ summer-of-survival/