Cambodia’s Prey Lang Forest Shelters World’s Largest Pileated Gibbon Family

By Vijian Paramasivam

PHNOM PENH, Sept 5 (Bernama) -- Cambodia’s dense and tranquil forests provide a sanctuary for the world's largest population of pileated gibbons. 

About two-thirds of the 47,000 gibbons remaining worldwide inhabit the biodiversity-rich Prey Lang Wildlife Sanctuary, covering the Kingdom’s north-central region. This thick rainforest area is considered one of the largest remaining lowland forests in Southeast Asia.

“Our surveys show that Prey Lang is a vital refuge for pileated gibbons, not just for Cambodia but for the survival of the species globally,” Wild Earth Allies Cambodia Conservation Manager Neang Thy told Bernama. 

The Indochina rainforest is a native home to the endangered species commonly known as the "crowned" or "capped" gibbon, named for its distinctive crown-like appearance.

Their habit of singing while hopping from tree to tree makes them a unique species within the gibbon family, say wildlife experts.

The global population of pileated gibbons has declined by half since the 1970s, largely due to hunting and habitat loss. 

But in Prey Lang forest, they continue to survive in over 5,000 square kilometres, which also includes eight distinct forest types, supporting a wide diversity of life, according to Wild Earth Allies.

At least 18 threatened mammals live in this forest — including the Asian elephant, the Malayan sun bear, and the Malayan box turtle.  

Like many other wildlife, these gibbons contribute to the critical ecosystem in their natural habitat.

“As a tree-dwelling species, pileated gibbons depend on intact forests to survive. Gibbons help shape their habitat by dispersing seeds as they travel through the canopy. Their movement supports plant diversity and forest regeneration,” said the organisation.  

Despite Cambodia’s strong commitment to the protection of Prey Lang, illegal logging continues to endanger gibbons and other at-risk wildlife. 

Tree loss has been especially severe in lowland evergreen areas, which gibbons rely on for survival.

Roads and clear-cut areas can fragment gibbon habitat and isolate groups, increasing the risk of local extinction, said Wild Earth Allies.

“In Prey Lang, we are engaging schools and communities in conservation education and plan to launch campaigns to raise public awareness of Cambodia’s vital role in the species’ global survival,” it said.

--  BERNAMA