Researchers discover largest population of 'Skywalker gibbons' in Burma
In an article published Wednesday in the
International Journal of Primatology
, an international team of researchers confirm the discovery of the largest population of primates "Skywalker gibbons" in the Burmese jungle. A major discovery for the future and conservation of this endangered species, which appears on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) red list.
Until the recent discovery of a population of Skywalker gibbons in Burma, researchers thought this species was confined to the Chinese province of Yunnan. (illustrative image) AFP - PENGFEI FAN
By: RFI Follow
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In 2017, scientists discovered a new species of gibbon in Yunnan province, China. Fans of the Star Wars saga, they named this new species “Skywalker gibbon”. With a population of barely 150 individuals, the species is considered threatened with extinction and confined to one territory, Yunnan.
But between 2021 and 2023, a team of researchers decides to prospect in a border area, in Burma. Using an acoustic monitoring system, scientists are able to record the love songs started by these primates in the early morning. They then carry out a genetic analysis using saliva left by the gibbons on partially consumed fruits. And by comparing with a skin sample from the Natural History Museum in London, they confirm the identity of the species.
According to researchers, Burma is now home to 44 groups of Skywalker gibbons. Good news for these primates which nevertheless remain in the category of threatened species.
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