New Populations of Endangered Skywalker Gibbons Discovered in Myanmar

The discovery, made through innovative acoustic monitoring and DNA sampling, marks a significant advancement in primate conservation.

Scientists have discovered new populations of endangered Skywalker gibbons in Myanmar, marking the first confirmation of the species in the country in over a century.
The discovery was made possible through acoustic monitoring of the gibbons' love songs and noninvasive DNA sampling techniques.
The new populations were found in areas previously thought to be occupied by the Eastern hoolock gibbon, suggesting a larger probable population of Skywalker gibbons than previously known.
Despite the significant find, the Skywalker gibbons continue to face threats from habitat loss, hunting, and political unrest in Myanmar.
The findings will inform updates to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) Red List, with the species likely retaining its Endangered designation.