First identified in China in 2017 by a group of Star Wars-loving scientists, Skywalker gibbons have now been confirmed in Myanmar. <\/p>
Until now, the population of Skywalker gibbons (Hoolock tianxing<\/em>) \u2013 a species of arboreal primate first identified in China in 2017 \u2013 stood at less than 200 individuals. Now, thanks to new research, including acoustic monitoring of the gibbon’s morning songs, the species\u2019 range has been confirmed to stretch into Myanmar.<\/p> Although these findings increase the species\u2019 known population size and distribution, Skywalker gibbons in Myanmar are threatened by local habitat loss and degradation.<\/p> Researchers hope that the new discovery will lead to better protection for areas inhabited by gibbons, also benefiting multiple other species of flora and fauna, as well as the people and communities that rely on these forests.<\/p> The endangered Skywalker gibbon was first identified as a distinct species in China in 2017. Key differences between this species and its close relative, the eastern hoolock gibbon, include thinner eyebrows, a black or brown beard instead of a white one and incomplete white face rings on the females.\u00a0<\/p> Since it was first identified, experts believed the distribution of the Skywalker gibbon to extend into Myanmar but, with no recorded sightings, weren’t able to verify the theory.<\/p> Now, new research<\/a> published in the International Journal of Primatology<\/em> has confirmed the existence of the species in Myanmar. <\/p> Between December 2021 and March 2023, a field team, led by Fauna & Flora<\/a>\u00a0and Nature Conservation Society Myanmar<\/a>, undertook expeditions to six sites in Myanmar’s Kachin State and three sites in Shan State to determine the presence of Skywalker gibbons. One of the most exciting parts of the study involved the use of acoustic monitoring systems, which were set up at the sites. Each morning, researchers listened to the Skywalker gibbons\u2019 songs and identified their locations.\u00a0<\/p> Listen to the evocative song of the Skywalker gibbon<\/strong><\/p>Discovering Myanmar’s Skywalker gibbons <\/h3>