Gibbons: Hylobatidae - Behavior And Reproduction

Gibbons are predominantly arboreal (tree-dwelling), defending their territory by chasing intruders and shaking branches. They sing to advertise ownership. Gibbons brachiate by grasping one branch after another or by propelling themselves through the air, loosening their grasp. They walk upright on wide branches or on the ground, arms held overhead to avoid tripping. They are diurnal (active during the day), but go to sleep before dark, sleeping in a sitting position.

The family consists of the parents and one to four juveniles. Females have single births every two or three years. The mother carries the infant around her waist for the first two months. When a juvenile reaches the age of five, the parent of the same sex may start chasing it off. Offspring who refuse to leave home stay in the vicinity of the family, but keep a distance when feeding and sleeping. Most leave home when they become sexually mature, or able to reproduce, at age seven or eight.