Bornean Gibbon Monkey, Kinabatungan River, Malaysia (7/2022)

The Bornean Gibbon is endemic to Borneo but it was rare and lucky for us to see them near the river. Gibbons are the fastest non-flying arboreal mammals in the world, reaching speeds of up to 35 mph (56 km/h). Bornean gibbons’ main method of locomotion is brachiation. Their long arms and wide grip allow for extremely graceful and fast movement through the trees. They can cover 49 feet (15 m) in a single swing. Gibbons are so adapted to brachiation that when speeding through the trees, they tuck their legs close to their body so they stay out of the way. On the rare occasions that these tree-dwellers descend to the ground, they hold their hands above their heads for balance, and to keep their hands from dragging on the ground, as they walk bipedally.

They have amazing balance.

It was amazing seeing them swing through the tree while feasting on leaves and fruits.


 

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