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Cheyne SM, Thompson C, Martin A, K Aulia AA, Birot H, Cahyaningrum E, Aragay J, Hutasoit PA, Sugardjito J. The power of gibbon songs: Going beyond the research to inform conservation actions. Am J Primatol 2024; 86:e23626. [PMID: 38566320 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Gibbons (Hylobatidae) are the smallest of the apes, known for their arboreal behavior and stereotyped songs. These species and sex-specific songs are often the subject of detailed studies regarding their evolution, responses to changing environments, involvement in social behavior, and used to design vocalization-based survey techniques to monitor population densities and trends. What is poorly understood is the value and impact of using the science and sound of gibbon vocalization and gibbon stories in education and outreach to complement nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) efforts. We present an example of how Borneo Nature Foundation, a NGOs based in Indonesia, is working to use the recordings of the songs of Bornean white-bearded gibbons (Hylobates albibarbis) to inform conservation actions and education efforts. Gibbons in Indonesia are often poorly known or understood by the public compared to orangutans (Pongo spp). We showcase how a field of study, namely primate acoustics, is an untapped resource to create digital content to engage with local, national and international communities and can be developed into educational tools in the form of storytelling, mobile apps and games, to highlight the plight of these threatened species and how to conserve them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan M Cheyne
- Borneo Nature Foundation International, Penryn, UK
- Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK
| | - Carolyn Thompson
- Borneo Nature Foundation International, Penryn, UK
- University College London, London, UK
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, London, UK
| | | | | | - Helene Birot
- Borneo Nature Foundation International, Penryn, UK
| | | | - Joana Aragay
- Borneo Nature Foundation International, Penryn, UK
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2
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McGrath SJ, Liu J, Stevenson BC, Behie AM. Density and population size estimates of the endangered northern yellow-cheeked crested gibbon Nomascus annamensis in selectively logged Veun Sai-Siem Pang National Park in Cambodia using acoustic spatial capture-recapture methods. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0292386. [PMID: 38011169 PMCID: PMC10681233 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Many gibbon species are threatened with extinction, including the endangered northern yellow-cheeked crested gibbon, Nomascus annamensis. Assessing gibbon populations and understanding how human disturbances and environmental factors impact these populations is vital for effective conservation planning. In 2010, auditory surveys revealed that Veun Sai-Siem Pang National Park (VSSP) in Cambodia contains one of the largest known N. annamensis populations in the world, with an estimated 456 (95% CI 421-490) gibbon groups. Illegal selective logging is common in the park, but the impact of continued logging on the gibbon population has not been investigated. To determine any change in the N. annamensis population since 2010, between January and April 2019 we conducted auditory surveys at 13 sites that were at least 4 km apart. We surveyed each site for three days, each day recording the gibbon calls heard over 3.25 hours from three listening posts located 500 m apart. At the same sites, we assessed the logging intensity using transects and ecological plots. Gibbon densities can be influenced by various environmental factors such as canopy height and forest type. Therefore, in addition to investigating the relationship between the density of N. annamensis groups and logging, we included five additional environmental variables in our acoustic spatial capture-recapture models. Our best fit model with the lowest AIC value included canopy height, forest type, distance to villages, and logging. We estimate that there are 389 (95% CI 284-542) N. annamensis groups currently in VSSP. Selective logging is widespread in the park, primarily targeting four tree species. The estimated felling time of these logged trees, together with previous reports, indicate that the species most targeted in VSSP varies over time. To conserve the N. annamensis population in VSSP, it is crucial that action is taken to reduce illegal logging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J. McGrath
- School of Archaeology and Anthropology, The Australian National University, Acton, ACT, Australia
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Statistics, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Ben C. Stevenson
- Department of Statistics, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Alison M. Behie
- School of Archaeology and Anthropology, The Australian National University, Acton, ACT, Australia
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3
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Widyastuti S, Perwitasari-Farajallah D, Iskandar E, Prasetyo LB, Setiawan A, Aoliya N, Cheyne SM. Population of the Javan Gibbon ( Hylobatesmoloch) in the Dieng Mountains, Indonesia: An updated estimation from a new approach. Biodivers Data J 2023; 11:e100805. [PMID: 37448691 PMCID: PMC10336555 DOI: 10.3897/bdj.11.e100805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The Javan gibbon (Hylobatesmoloch) is endemic to the island of Java and its distribution is restricted from the western tip of Java to the Dieng Mountains in Central Java. Unlike the other known habitats that hold a large population of Javan gibbons, the Dieng Mountains have not been protected and experience various threats. This study, which was conducted in 2018 and 2021, aimed to provide an update of the current density and population size of Javan gibbons in Dieng after the most recent study in 2010 and to investigate their relationships with habitat characteristics (vegetation and elevation). The triangulation method and a new acoustic spatial capture-recapture method were used to estimate group density. A new approach for extrapolation, based on the habitat suitability model, was also developed to calculate population size. The results show that the Javan gibbon population in the Dieng Mountains has most likely increased. The mean group density in each habitat type was high: 2.15 groups/km2 in the low suitable habitat and 5.55 groups/km2 in the high suitable habitat. The mean group size (3.95 groups/km2, n = 20) was higher than those reported in previous studies. The overall population size was estimated to be 1092 gibbons. This population increase might indicate the success of conservation efforts during the last decade. However, more effort should be made to ensure the long-term future of this threatened species. Although the density significantly differed between habitat suitability types, it was not influenced by the vegetation structure or elevation. A combination of multiple variables will probably have a greater effect on density variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salmah Widyastuti
- Animal Biosciences Program, Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, IPB University, Bogor, IndonesiaAnimal Biosciences Program, Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, IPB UniversityBogorIndonesia
| | - Dyah Perwitasari-Farajallah
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, IPB University, Bogor, IndonesiaDepartment of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, IPB UniversityBogorIndonesia
- Primate Research Centre, IPB University, Bogor, IndonesiaPrimate Research Centre, IPB UniversityBogorIndonesia
| | - Entang Iskandar
- Primate Research Centre, IPB University, Bogor, IndonesiaPrimate Research Centre, IPB UniversityBogorIndonesia
| | - Lilik B Prasetyo
- Department of Forest Resources Conservation and Ecotourism, Faculty of Forestry and Environment, IPB University, Bogor, IndonesiaDepartment of Forest Resources Conservation and Ecotourism, Faculty of Forestry and Environment, IPB UniversityBogorIndonesia
| | - Arif Setiawan
- SwaraOwa, Yogyakarta, IndonesiaSwaraOwaYogyakartaIndonesia
| | - Nur Aoliya
- Animal Biosciences Program, Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, IPB University, Bogor, IndonesiaAnimal Biosciences Program, Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, IPB UniversityBogorIndonesia
| | - Susan M Cheyne
- Faculty of Humanities, Social Sciences and Law, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, United KingdomFaculty of Humanities, Social Sciences and Law, Oxford Brookes UniversityOxfordUnited Kingdom
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Hankinson E, Korstjens AH, Hill RA, Wich SA, Slater HD, Abdullah A, Supradi S, Marsh CD, Nijman V. Effects of anthropogenic disturbance on group densities of Thomas' langurs (
Presbytis thomasi
) within a lowland tropical forest, north Sumatra. Ecol Res 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/1440-1703.12373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Emma Hankinson
- School of Social Sciences Oxford Brookes University Headington Campus, Oxford UK
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences Bournemouth University, Christchurch House Talbot Campus, Poole UK
| | - Amanda H. Korstjens
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences Bournemouth University, Christchurch House Talbot Campus, Poole UK
| | - Ross A. Hill
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences Bournemouth University, Christchurch House Talbot Campus, Poole UK
| | - Serge A. Wich
- School of Biological and Environmental Sciences Liverpool John Moores University Liverpool UK
| | - Helen D. Slater
- School of Social Sciences Oxford Brookes University Headington Campus, Oxford UK
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences Newcastle University Newcastle Upon Tyne UK
| | - Abdullah Abdullah
- Fakultas Biologi Universitas Syiah Kuala Darussalam, Banda Aceh Indonesia
| | - Supradi Supradi
- Fakultas Biologi Universitas Syiah Kuala Darussalam, Banda Aceh Indonesia
| | - Christopher D. Marsh
- School of Social Sciences Oxford Brookes University Headington Campus, Oxford UK
- Department of Biology University of New Mexico Albuquerque New Mexico USA
| | - Vincent Nijman
- School of Social Sciences Oxford Brookes University Headington Campus, Oxford UK
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Zhang A, Li Z, zhang D, Zang R, Liu S, Long W, Chen Y, Liu S, Liu H, Qi X, Feng Y, Zhang Z, Chen Y, Zhang H, Feng G. Food plant diversity in different-altitude habitats of Hainan gibbons (Nomascus hainanus): Implications for conservation. Glob Ecol Conserv 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2022.e02204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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Marsh CD, Hill RA, Nowak MG, Hankinson E, Abdullah A, Gillingham P, Korstjens AH. Measuring and modelling microclimatic air temperature in a historically degraded tropical forest. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY 2022; 66:1283-1295. [PMID: 35357567 PMCID: PMC9132844 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-022-02276-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Climate change is predicted to cause widespread disruptions to global biodiversity. Most climate models are at the macroscale, operating at a ~ 1 km resolution and predicting future temperatures at 1.5-2 m above ground level, making them unable to predict microclimates at the scale that many organisms experience temperature. We studied the effects of forest structure and vertical position on microclimatic air temperature within forest canopy in a historically degraded tropical forest in Sikundur, Northern Sumatra, Indonesia. We collected temperature measurements in fifteen plots over 20 months, alongside vegetation structure data from the same fifteen 25 × 25 m plots. We also performed airborne surveys using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to record canopy structure remotely, both over the plot locations and a wider area. We hypothesised that old-growth forest structure would moderate microclimatic air temperature. Our data showed that Sikundur is a thermally dynamic environment, with simultaneously recorded temperatures at different locations within the canopy varying by up to ~ 15 °C. Our models (R2 = 0.90 to 0.95) showed that temperature differences between data loggers at different sites were largely determined by variation in recording height and the amount of solar radiation reaching the topmost part of the canopy, although strong interactions between these abiotic factors and canopy structure shaped microclimate air temperature variation. The impacts of forest degradation have smaller relative influence on models of microclimatic air temperature than abiotic factors, but the loss of canopy density increases temperature. This may render areas of degraded tropical forests unsuitable for some forest-dwelling species with the advent of future climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher D Marsh
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Bournemouth University, Poole, UK.
- Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA.
| | - Ross A Hill
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Bournemouth University, Poole, UK
| | - Matthew G Nowak
- The PanEco Foundation - Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Programme, Chileweg 5, Berg Am Irchel, Switzerland
- Department of Anthropology, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, USA
| | - Emma Hankinson
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Bournemouth University, Poole, UK
| | - Abdullah Abdullah
- Department of Biology, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Aceh, Indonesia
| | - Phillipa Gillingham
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Bournemouth University, Poole, UK
| | - Amanda H Korstjens
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Bournemouth University, Poole, UK
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Pang YH, Lappan S, Bartlett TQ, Mohd Sah SA, N Rosely NF, Ruppert N. Population densities of Hylobates agilis in forests with different disturbance histories in Ulu Muda Forest Reserve, Malaysia. Am J Primatol 2022; 84:e23388. [PMID: 35521672 PMCID: PMC9541461 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Small ape habitat throughout Malaysia is rapidly being lost, degraded, and fragmented, and the effects of these changes on the abundance on this taxon are currently unknown. This study assessed the group density of Hylobates agilis in virgin forest, previously logged forest (1960s–1990s), and recently logged forest (2015–2017) of the Ulu Muda Forest Reserve (UMFR), Kedah, Malaysia. We conducted fixed‐point active acoustic triangulation at nine survey areas to estimate group density. We used vegetation “speed plots” and satellite imagery to quantify habitat characteristics and used model selection to identify ecological predictors of group density variation. The estimated group density of H. agilis in UMFR was 4.03 ± 0.14 groups km−2, with an estimated total of 2927 ± 102 groups in areas below 450 m a.s.l. in UMFR. Group density did not differ significantly among habitat types. The best ecological predictors for group density were canopy cover and proportion of deforested area. Areas with recent deforestation were associated with relatively high group densities, suggesting compression of the populations persisting in these habitat types. The consistently high group densities detected in all forest types emphasizes the importance of degraded forest as habitat for H. agilis. Because of the threats to small apes in Malaysia, and the uncertain status of most populations, we recommend a nationwide population census and regular monitoring to inform conservation planning and implementation. Most urgently, we call for immediate and permanent protection of UMFR and other forests in the Greater Ulu Muda landscape to protect the globally significant populations of H. agilis, as well as other charismatic and threatened megafauna, birds, and flora in the area. This study estimates the population density of Hylobates agilis in Ulu Muda Forest Reserve, part of the largest remaining habitat for the species in mainland Asia. We estimate that lowland forests (<450 m a.s.l.) in Ulu Muda support 2972 ± 102 groups of H. agilis. Our data suggest that recently selectively logged forests support gibbon densities equal to those in undisturbed forest, demonstrating the importance of this landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Heng Pang
- School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.,Malaysian Primatological Society, Kulim, Kedah, Malaysia
| | - Susan Lappan
- School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.,Malaysian Primatological Society, Kulim, Kedah, Malaysia.,Department of Anthropology, Appalachian State University, Boone, North Carolina, USA
| | - Thad Q Bartlett
- Malaysian Primatological Society, Kulim, Kedah, Malaysia.,Department of Anthropology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | | | - Nik Fadzly N Rosely
- School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - Nadine Ruppert
- School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.,Malaysian Primatological Society, Kulim, Kedah, Malaysia
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Harrison NJ, Hill RA, Alexander C, Marsh CD, Nowak MG, Abdullah A, Slater HD, Korstjens AH. Sleeping trees and sleep-related behaviours of the siamang (Symphalangus syndactylus) in a tropical lowland rainforest, Sumatra, Indonesia. Primates 2020; 62:63-75. [PMID: 32720108 PMCID: PMC7813730 DOI: 10.1007/s10329-020-00849-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Sleeping tree selection and related behaviours of a family group and a solitary female siamang (Symphalangus syndactylus) were investigated over a 5-month period in northern Sumatra, Indonesia. We performed all day follows, sleeping tree surveys and forest plot enumerations in the field. We tested whether: (1) physical characteristics of sleeping trees and the surrounding trees, together with siamang behaviours, supported selection based on predation risk and access requirements; (2) the preferences of a solitary siamang were similar to those of a family group; and (3) sleeping site locations within home ranges were indicative of home range defence, scramble competition with other groups or other species, or food requirements. Our data showed that (1) sleeping trees were tall, emergent trees with some, albeit low, connectivity to the neighbouring canopy, and that they were surrounded by other tall trees. Siamangs showed early entry into and departure from sleeping trees, and slept at the ends of branches. These results indicate that the siamangs’ choice of sleeping trees and related behaviours were strongly driven by predator avoidance. The observed regular reuse of sleeping sites, however, did not support anti-predation theory. (2) The solitary female displayed selection criteria for sleeping trees that were similar to those of the family group, but she slept more frequently in smaller trees than the latter. (3) Siamangs selected sleeping trees to avoid neighbouring groups, monopolise resources (competition), and to be near their last feeding tree. Our findings indicate selectivity in the siamangs’ use of sleeping trees, with only a few trees in the study site being used for this purpose. Any reduction in the availability of such trees might make otherwise suitable habitat unsuitable for these highly arboreal small apes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan J Harrison
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Bournemouth University, Talbot Campus, Fern Barrow, Poole, BH12 5BB, UK.
| | - Ross A Hill
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Bournemouth University, Talbot Campus, Fern Barrow, Poole, BH12 5BB, UK
| | - Cici Alexander
- Aarhus Institute of Advanced Studies, Aarhus University, Høegh-Guldbergs Gade 6B, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Christopher D Marsh
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Bournemouth University, Talbot Campus, Fern Barrow, Poole, BH12 5BB, UK
| | - Matthew G Nowak
- Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Programme, PanEco Foundation, Chileweg 5, 8415, Berg am Irchel, Switzerland.,Department of Anthropology, Southern Illinois University, 1000 Faner Drive, Carbondale, IL, 62901, USA
| | - Abdullah Abdullah
- Department of Biology, Syiah Kuala University, Banda Aceh, Aceh, 23111, Indonesia
| | - Helen D Slater
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Bournemouth University, Talbot Campus, Fern Barrow, Poole, BH12 5BB, UK
| | - Amanda H Korstjens
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Bournemouth University, Talbot Campus, Fern Barrow, Poole, BH12 5BB, UK
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