Muller's Gibbon
Introduction
For my mammal option, I have chosen to do the Muller's Gibbon. On this page I have written some information and fun facts about this interesting animal. All information and photos on this page has come from signs, plaques and information presented at Taronga Zoo and also my observations. I hope this page is interesting and informs you about the mammal.
Scientific Name
Muller's Gibbon is this animal's common name. It's scientific name is Hylobates muelleri. Another common name sometimes used for this mammal is Mueller's Gibbon.
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Body Covering
Muller's Gibbon is covered in fur, other than the palms of it's hands, soles of it's feet and it's face. The fur is mostly a light blonde colour with some brown through it. What is not covered in fur is covered in many layers of tough skin.
Other Features
The Muller's Gibbon's appearance is average considering he is an ape. He, as most apes do, has bushy eyebrows eyes similar to human beings. They have a pupil and an iris just like we do. They also have very long fingers and toes. The sub-heading Behaviour explains why. They also have 2 pairs of appendages which are there two arms and two legs.
Relative Size
Muller's Gibbon is the smallest ape in the world. The average size of this animal is around 40-60 centimetres tall. they can weight up to 12 kilograms. Males and females have the same size range.
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Behaviour/Zoo Keeper Facts
The Muller's Gibbon swings around in its big fig tree. He eats the ripe figs that grow of the massive tree in the center of a lake in one of the habitats of Taronga zoo. Muller's Gibbons have feet and hands as well as fingers and toes just as humans do. They use their fingers to grab things such as food, branches to climb and also helps them take care of their young. When they climb they use their long fingers to grab onto even the thickest branches. Climbing and swinging from branch to branch is great exercise for them, as they need exercise just as much as humans do. They take care of their children just as much and in a similar way that humans do. they rock them in their arms and carry them on their back when climbing and swinging. Gibbon's young learn from whats going on around them, as human children do.
Extra Zoo Keeper Facts...
- This species is endangered as people are destroying their habitat in the rainforest.
- These gibbons have a throat sac beneath their chin that helps enhance their call.
- They mate for life and families take their turn of searching for for food.
- There is no type of ape in the world smaller than the Muller's Gibbon.
Habitat Description and Clarification
The Muller's Gibbon has its own island like habitat, with a large fig tree and a lake or pond with fish in it surrounding the tree. There is a small shelter just beneath the tree for the Gibbon's convenience.
Habitat Location
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