Sikundur hylobatidae distribution and forest structure

Spatial Distribution and abundance of Hylobatidae species in relation to canopy structure and disturbance in a lowland dipterocarp forest, Sumatra

Tropical rainforests are being lost at a substantial rate through human activities, having a large impact on rare and keystone species of flora and fauna in these biodiversity hotspots. Indonesian forests are home to a significant proportion of the world’s biodiversity, and a stronghold for many unique, endangered species.

The study was undertaken in Sikundur, a Sumatran lowland dipterocarp rainforest where several arboreal primate species reside; including the white-handed gibbon Hylobates lar, siamang Symphalangus syndactylus, Thomas leaf monkey Presbytis thomasi two macaque species Macaca spp, and the critically endangered Sumatran orangutan Pongo abelii. Species dependent on specific canopy structures may be particularly sensitive to variation in forest structure and limited to areas of high-statured forest that provides adequate branching for their positional and locomotor repertoire.

The study investigated the relationship between density of white-handed gibbon Hylobates lar, and siamang Symphalangus syndactylus and forest structure. These apes are arboreal frugivores with large home ranges that rely on brachiation for movement through the forest and prefer large emergent trees as sleeping sites.