Population mapping of gibbons in Kalimantan, Indonesia: correlates of gibbon density and vegetation across the species’ range
Date
2016-05-31Author
Cheyne, Susan M.
Gilhooly, Lauren J.
Hamard, Marie C
Höing, Andrea
Houlihan, Peter R.
Kursani, Kursani
Loken, Brent
Phillips, Abigail
Rayadin, Yaya
Capilla, Bernat Ripoll
Rowland, Dominic
Sastramidjaja, Wiwit J.
Spehar, Stephanie
Thompson, Claire J. H.
Zrust, Michal
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
The first comprehensive survey of gibbons (Hylobates spp.) across Indonesian
Borneo was carried out over 3 years to (1) determine whether densities of gibbon species are correlated with vegetation characteristics, and if so, whether the same characteristics are correlated
with density across all forest types; and (2) determine population densities in the survey areas and
identify threats to the areas. To achieve this, a total of 8 forest blocks were surveyed, involving 53
independent survey locations and repeat surveys in 3 forest blocks. Our data show that gibbons
are ubiquitous where there is forest; however, the quality of forest affects population density, forest block size affects longevity of populations, and populations are susceptible to the ‘compression
effect’, i.e. populations occupy smaller fragments at unsustainably high densities. We show the
effects of forest disturbance (logging, fire, fragmentation) on gibbon distribution and density and
highlight issues for long-term conservation. We discuss the use of minimum cross-sectional area,
habitat variables and presence of top foods to determine population density and to identify a
threshold below which gibbons cannot persist. We discuss the conservation issues facing all
Bornean gibbons, including natural hybrids (H. muelleri × H. albibarbis). The answers to these
research questions will help mitigate threats to gibbons and their habitat, as well as identify key
habitat for gibbon populations within and outside the protected area network.
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- Turnitin Report [1572]