International Gibbon Day

International Gibbons Day, celebrated on October 24, is a special occasion dedicated to raising awareness and appreciation for one of the most captivating and endangered primate species on our planet – the gibbons. Gibbons, the enchanting acrobats of the treetops, are a group of small to medium-sized primates known for their remarkable agility, vocal prowess, and strikingly expressive faces. This day serves as an opportunity to celebrate these remarkable creatures, reflect on their importance in the ecosystem, and highlight the conservation efforts essential to ensure their survival. 

Importance and Relevance 

In 2015, the IUCN Primate Specialist Group initiated the observance of this day to focus public attention on the importance of gibbon conservation. While all species of Gibbons face endangerment, the Hainan crested gibbon, the rarest and most vulnerable of the species, have less than 30 individuals left in the wild. Three other species, the Black Crested Gibbon, Northern White-cheeked Gibbon and the Cao-vit Gibbon, are also critically endangered. The loss of gibbons would be detrimental as they play an important role in seed dispersal, promoting the well-being of the forests in which they reside and providing advantages to the local communities that rely on forest resources. Not to mention, Gibbons can hold cultural importance for communities living near them.