There are thought to be less than 150 Skywalker gibbons remaining
Proposed Skywalker gibbon range between river boundaries crossing Myanmar and China.
Where are Skywalker gibbons?
The Gaoligongshan mountain range in China, close to the border with Myanmar, is the only known place where Skywalker gibbon presence has been confirmed. The majority of the population is believed to live on the Myanmar side of the border but to date opportunities for population surveys have been rare. Gibbons do not swim and major rivers often serve as species boundaries. Skywalker gibbon habitat is believed to be located between the North Mai Hka and Ayarwaddy rivers to the west and the Salween river the east. This region contains many yet to be explored forests where there is much to be learned about gibbons and other species biodiversity.
What are the threats to Skywalker gibbons?
Although commercial logging has been banned in China, the gibbons are threatened by small-scale habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation. The gibbons are restricted to agro-forestry regions as a result which are often used for cardamom cultivation. Hunting of gibbons for food and medicinal purposes is also evident, with anecdotal evidence suggesting it occurs along the Myanmar border.
Despite the government's best efforts to extend their protected area system, Myanmar is also losing important habitats at an alarming rate due to resource overexploitation and landscape conversion. According to data sourced from Global Forest Watch (2019), the six administrative divisions in which Skywalker gibbons are believed to occur (Shan, Mandalay, Kayah, Bago, Kayan and Mon) have lost approximately 9% of their forest cover since 2000, and this rate of loss is accelerating. Unsustainable slash-and-burn agriculture, gold mining and logging activities are of particular concern. Hunting in this region is also a potential threat to remnant Skywalker gibbon populations in Myanmar.
Photo Credit: Pyaephyo Aung
