Javan Gibbon Diet Remains Stable Year-Round

Researchers found the Javan gibbon’s diet in Gunung Halimun Salak National Park remains relatively stable throughout the year. A study led by Khatibul Imam observed three gibbon groups for over 755 hours between January and December 2022. The primates, scientifically known as Hylobates moloch, primarily eat figs from the Ficus genus, which fruit at different times.

The study revealed the gibbons consume approximately 73 plant species. Their diet consists of 69% fruit, 19% young leaves, 10% flowers, and 2% invertebrates. When fruit is scarce, gibbons supplement their diet with leaves or flowers.

Researchers noted gibbons spend 54.43% of their time resting, 30.18% feeding, and 11.31% moving. This indicates adequate food availability within their habitat. Habitat loss and climate change still pose threats to the endangered species.