In a 🌿✨ **victory for wildlife conservation**, a newborn Hainan gibbon has brought the global population of these critically endangered primates to just 33—fewer than giant pandas! The baby, born to a family group in the tropical rainforests of Hainan Island in southern China, marks a hopeful milestone for a species once teetering on the edge of extinction.
Known for their acrobatic moves and haunting calls, Hainan gibbons exist only in the wild on this biodiverse island. Listed as **critically endangered** by the IUCN and among the world’s 25 most threatened primates, their survival depends on protected habitats. Experts say this new arrival reflects years of efforts to expand rainforest reserves and create 'biological corridors' linking fragmented habitats in Bawangling National Reserve and Futouling.
🌳 **Why it matters**: As climate and biodiversity crises escalate, the gibbons’ rebound shows how conservation policies and ecological restoration can rewrite extinction stories. For travelers and eco-enthusiasts, Hainan’s lush forests are now a symbol of resilience—and maybe the next go-to spot for ethical wildlife tourism!
Reference(s):
cgtn.com