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The formation of a new gibbon group

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Abstract

Families of gibbons and siamang were studied in lowland dipterocarp forest at Kuala Lompat, Pahang, Malaysia between January and July 1973. In April a lone male gibbon (who had previously been a frequent associate of a lone male siamang) attracted a female gibbon and the two animals called together in chorus. The new pair were immediately attacked and separated by a long-established neighbouring family of gibbons. Four days later the new pair reformed and despite further fierce attacks from their neighbours remained together and gradually established their own territory. The lone siamang also attracted a female into his range. The new siamang pair stayed together for most of four days but eventually the female left his range and did not return. Generalisations are made concerning the way that new hylobatid groups become establilished.

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MacKinnon, J., MacKinnon, K. The formation of a new gibbon group. Primates 18, 701–708 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02383144

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02383144

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