Discovered rare gibbon species in Indochina

German scientists yesterday said they found a rare species of gibbon in tropical forests between Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia.

A newly discovered non-species black crested gibbon. (Photo: flickr.com).

AFP quoted scientists from the German Primate Center (DPZ), said the ape species has the scientific name Nomascus annamensis or black crested gibbon. Scientists discovered black crested gibbons by their very specific ' song '.

" The genetic analysis, frequency and tempo of the crest of the black-crested gibbon indicate that it is a species that scientists have never known, " said Christian Roos, a DPZ expert.

According to DPZ's announcement, the ' song ' they analyze is used to warn those who intend to invade the territory. It is possible that people used to create such " songs " in the past.

Male black crested gibbons have thick black fur but when exposed to sunlight their feathers seem to turn silver. Their chest hair is brown, while the cheeks are orange. The females are covered in orange fur.

The group of crested gibbons are found only in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and southern China. Previously, scientists thought that there were only six species of this group, but DPZ's findings show that at least seven crested gibbon species exist.

Scientists don't know how many gibbon species live in the world, but they are being pushed to the brink of extinction by poaching. People hunt them for feeding, making food or processing traditional medicines. Roos said many gibbons only have about 100 individuals left.

Like orangutans, gorillas, chimpanzees, bonobos, gibbons belong to the group of primates - the closest relatives of humankind.