Distribution of Hylobates and its species (note: Bornean population formerly included in H. agilis is now generally considered a separate species, H. albibarbis; H. muelleri is now split into H. muelleri, H. abbotti, and H. funereus)
The genusHylobates/ˌhaɪloʊˈbeɪtiːz/ is one of the four genera of gibbons. Its name means "forest walker", from the Greek hūlē (ὕλη, "forest") and bates (βάτης, "one who treads").[3][4]
It was once considered the only genus, but recently its subgenera (Hoolock [formerly Bunopithecus], Nomascus, and Symphalangus) have been elevated to the genus level.[1][5]Hylobates remains the most species-rich and widespread of gibbon genera, ranging from southern China (Yunnan) to western and central Java.
Individuals within this genus are characterized by 44 chromosomes and often have a ring of white fur around their faces.[2]
Hybrids between Müller's gibbon (H. muelleri) and the Bornean white-bearded gibbon, (H. albibarbis) have been reported in areas of Borneo.[6] A gibbon born at the Kujukushima Zoo in Japan to a female lar or white-handed gibbon (H. lar) was determined to have been fathered by a male agile gibbon (H. agilis).[7]
^Mootnick, A.; Groves, C. P. (2005). "A new generic name for the hoolock gibbon (Hylobatidae)". International Journal of Primatology. 26 (4): 971–976. doi:10.1007/s10764-005-5332-4. S2CID8394136.
^Payne, J.; Francis, C. (2005). A Field Guide to the Mammals of Borneo. Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia: Sabah Society. p. 230. ISBN967-99947-1-6.