It has been named the Skywalker hoolock gibbon - partly because the Chinese characters of its scientific name mean "Heaven's movement" but also because the scientists are fans of Star Wars. Scientists named a new species of gibbon ape after Star Wars rebel character Luke Skywalker. “We consider that the new species should be categorized as Endangered under IUCN criteria,” the researchers note in the study. Established in 1964, the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species has evolved to become the world’s most comprehensive information source on the global conservation status of animal, fungi and plant species. 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Thu, 17 Dec 2020 . We studied one group (NA) and a solitary female (NB) at Nankang from July 2010 to September 2011, and another group (BB) at Banchang from May 2013 to December 2014 in Mt. Learn how to create a bug hotel with Lizzie. But in these mountains their call is becoming harder and harder to find. The skywalker hoolock gibbon (Hoolock tianxing) is a recently described species which occurs between the Irrawaddy River and the Salween River in Myanmar and China (Fan et al., 2017). The force is with a new species of gibbon discovered in Southeast Asia. It is the first gibbon species named by the Chinese, and was named after Luke Skywalker from the "Star Wars" franchise, as the scientist who found it was a big fan. EN) Colin Groves, Mammal Species of the World. The gibbon call is ethereal but coarse, shrill but melodic. So do its elephants, Activists in Malaysia call on road planners to learn the lessons of history, Road-paving project threatens a wildlife-rich reserve in Indonesia’s Papua. Campbell Simpson. A male Skywalker hoolock gibbon. [See More Animals With "Star Wars"-Inspired Names]. The following statement was read by Dr Jane Smart, Global Director of the Biodiversity Conservation Group and Director of the Global Species Programme at IUCN, at the fifth Anniversary Celebration of International Gibbon Day on Saturday 24 October 2020. Along with calling for the animals to be recognized as a new species, the researchers have prompted the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to list the Skywalker gibbon as endangered. Museum-quality posters made on thick and durable … In a separate study, the skull appendages of an extinct relative of the giraffe reminded scientists of Queen Padmé Amidala's headgear, so the researchers named the extinct animal Xenokeryx amidalae. … The new discovery of the Skywalker hoolock gibbon was described in a paper published online Tuesday (Jan. 10) in the American Journal of Primatology. Over the study period, we recorded 67 sleeping trees for members of group NA over 92 days, 17 … Then a mining company showed up, Why do Eurasian badgers live with foxes? The results suggest that hoolocks distributed to the east of the Irrawaddy‐Nmai Hka Rivers, which were previously assigned to H. leuconedys, are morphologically and genetically distinct from those to the west of the river, and should be recognized as a new species, the Gaoligong hoolock gibbon or skywalker hoolock gibbon (H. tianxing sp. “The discovery of the new species focuses attention on the need for improved conservation of small apes, many of which are in danger of extinction in southern China and Southeast Asia.”, Dr. Samuel Turvey of ZSL added in a statement that while the team was thrilled to have made this discovery, “it’s also edged with sadness – as we’re also calling for the IUCN to immediately confer Endangered status on the Skywalker hoolock gibbon, which faces the same grave and imminent risk to its survival as many other small ape species in southern China and Southeast Asia due to habitat loss and hunting.”, Turvey said that “Increased awareness of the remarkable ecosystem of the Gaoligong mountains and improved conservation is essential, to ensure we have time to get fully acquainted with this exciting new species before it’s too late.”. Every day, Mongabay reporters bring you news from nature’s frontline. Share. Fen Pengfei. Adult female Skywalker hoolock gibbon They are therefore calling for these animals to be recognised as a new species: the Gaoligong or ‘Skywalker’ hoolock gibbon (H. tianxing sp. Samuel Turvey, a senior research fellow at ZSL and co-author of the study, said the exciting discovery of the new species is laced with sadness. It is the first gibbon species named by the Chinese, and was named after Luke Skywalker from the "Star Wars" franchise, as the scientist who found it was a big fan. Please refresh the page and try again. nov.). A new gibbon species … Fan, P., He, K., Chen, X., Ortiz, A., Zhang, B., Zhao, C., … & Groves, C. (2017). The name is also a nod to the fact that the Chinese characters of its scientific name, Hoolock tianxing, mean “Heaven’s movement”. hbspt.cta.load(5981609, '8f4c6e6c-f5b2-40c0-926e-1af2470257f3', {}); Mongabay is a reader-supported conservation and environmental science news service. In addition, the gibbons were more likely to huddle together during cold seasons. Amazing facts about in 1, 2 or 3 minute videos! Genbank common name: Skywalker hoolock gibbon NCBI BLAST name: primates Rank: species Genetic code: Translation table 1 (Standard) Mitochondrial genetic code: Translation table 2 (Vertebrate Mitochondrial) Other names: Skywalker hoolock gibbon. Skywalker hoolock gibbon monkey in a tree - Acquista questa foto stock ed esplora foto simili in Adobe Stock Its scientific name is from the Chinese characters 天行 which literally translates to heaven movement or sky walk referring to the gibbons graceful movement through the canopies. You will receive a verification email shortly. A great way to encourage biodiversity in your local area and discover which insects you have in your own garden. nov.) – a Star Wars -inspired name reflecting the high treetop home of the gibbons, and the historical Chinese view of them as almost mystical beings. Gaoligong, Yunnan, China. A new gibbon species was discovered in southwest Asia, and scientists have named it for the famous "Star Wars" character. But Fan Pengfei and team believed that a population of hoolocks found east of the Irawaddy and Nmai Hka Rivers, which had previously been categorized as members of H. leuconedys, might in fact be a separate species altogether. Content by Andie Ang unless otherwise stated © 2014-2020 | Andie Ang. Description of a new species of Hoolock gibbon (Primates: Hylobatidae) based on integrative taxonomy. Like similar species that live in China and Myanmar, the so-called skywalker hoolock gibbon … This site remains a work in progress. A further new species, Hoolock tianxing, with an estimated population of about 200 in China, was discovered in southwest China in 2017. Mongabay is a U.S.-based non-profit conservation and environmental science news platform. Scientists estimated that there are approximately 200 individuals in China, but exact numbers in Myanmar are unknown. Also known as the "Skywalker" hoolock gibbon, it is the most endangered gibbon in the world, with less than 150 left. Our results suggest that cold temperatures have a significant effect on the sleeping behavior of the Skywalker hoolock gibbon, highlighting the adaptability of this threatened species in response to cold climates. Skywalker hoolock gibbon (Hoolock tianxing) formerly described as Eastern hoolock gibbon (Hoolock leuconedys) Gaoligong Mountains National Nature Reserve, Yunnan Province, China. The "Skywalker hoolock gibbon" has been studied for some time, but wasn't until a Chinese research team- who happen to love Star Wars movies- ran genetic tests proving it different from other gibbons. The researchers described the Skywalker hoolock gibbon in a paper published in the American Journal of Primatology. DONATE HERE. An adult female Skywalker Hoolock gibbon. There are less than 150 Skywalker hoolock gibbons left in China, dispersed between the Gaoligong and the Myanmar border. We studied antipredation sleeping behavior in skywalker hoolock gibbons (Hoolock tianxing). Newly recognised species given the name ‘Skywalker hoolock gibbon’ by the team that proved it was distinct from other Chinese gibbons Georgia Brown Wed … nov.). The team of researchers that made the discovery was led by Fan Pengfei of Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou, China, and also included scientists from the Zoological Society of London (ZSL). Skywalker hoolock gibbon in a tree - Buy this stock photo and explore similar images at Adobe Stock nov.) – a Star Wars -inspired name reflecting the high treetop home of the gibbons, and … They are therefore calling for these animals to be recognised as a new species: the Gaoligong or ‘Skywalker’ hoolock gibbon (H. tianxing sp. - … CONTACT Gli hoolock, o ulock, sono un genere di primati appartenente alla famiglia Hylobatidae. An adult female skywalker hoolock gibbon looks out into the distance—much like a young, angsty Luke Skywalker gazing across the barren landscape of … It has been named the Skywalker hoolock gibbon by its discoverers, who are Star Wars fans. A new species of gibbon identified in remote forests in China has been named after Star Wars character Luke Skywalker. Live Science is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Dryness? Ribeirinhos win right to waterside Amazon homeland lost to Belo Monte dam, Critical temperature threshold spells shorter lives for tropical trees, Liberia gave villagers control over their forests. In studying the genetic characteristics of wild gibbons and museum specimens, the researchers determined distinct differences between the Skywalker hoolock and H. leuconedys. There are already two previously-described living species of hoolock gibbon, the western (H. hoolock) and eastern (H. leuconedys) hoolock gibbons, which are geographically separated by Myanmar’s Chindwin River. There was a problem. Our biweekly podcast delivering news & inspiration from nature’s frontline. Scoperto uno Jedi della giungla cinese. Thank you for signing up to Live Science. Hoolock Gibbons are basically the three apes species of the Gibbon family that are found in India and its neighbouring counties. Stay up to date on the coronavirus outbreak by signing up to our newsletter today. In 2017 a new species of gibbon, the Skywalker Hoolock (Hoolock tianxing), was described by science. The Skywalker hoolock gibbon or Gaoligong hoolock gibbon (Hoolock tianxing) is a primate in the gibbon family, Hylobatidae.It is one of three species of hoolock gibbon and was first described in January 2017 in the American Journal of Primatology. /VCG. The results suggest that hoolocks distributed to the east of the Irrawaddy‐Nmai Hka Rivers, which were previously assigned to H. leuconedys, are morphologically and genetically distinct from those to the west of the river, and should be recognized as a new species, the Gaoligong hoolock gibbon or skywalker hoolock gibbon (H. tianxing sp. Our EIN or tax ID is 45-3714703. 01511074. The Skywalker hoolock gibbon or Gaoligong hoolock gibbon [3] (Hoolock tianxing) is a primate in the gibbon family, Hylobatidae. Links are in blue. The newly discovered lesser ape species is already facing an uncertain future. Wilson e D.M. Skywalker hoolock gibbon. Dr Sam Turvey, from the Zoological Society of London, who was part of the team studying the apes, told BBC News: “In this area, so many species have declined or … American Journal of Primatology. It is one of three species of hoolock gibbon and was first described in January 2017 in the American Journal of Primatology. Also known as the "Skywalker" hoolock gibbon, it is the most endangered gibbon in the world, with less than 150 left. Links are in blue. In a galaxy not so far way, there's a new Skywalker in town. We depend on support from users like you. Please deactivate your ad blocker in order to see our subscription offer, See More Animals With "Star Wars"-Inspired Names, International Union for Conservation of Nature, Newly discovered fungi turn flies into zombies and devour them from the inside out, Unsafe levels of radiation found in Chernobyl crops, Angel, devil and blood-red heart appear at Martian south pole, Scientists think they've detected radio emissions from an alien world, 1,200-year-old pagan temple to Thor and Odin unearthed in Norway. Visit our corporate site. Published 4 years ago: January 12, 2017 at 12:45 pm-Filed to: gibbons. We get the Skywalker hoolock gibbon. Researchers chose to name the ape the “Skywalker” hoolock gibbon (Hoolock tianxing) in order to reflect its preferred home high in the forest canopy, as well as what they describe as “the historical Chinese view of them as almost mystical beings.” The force is with a new species of gibbon discovered in Southeast Asia. Star Wars del gibboni: la forza sia con loro contro l’estinzione The Skywalker hoolock gibbons' home in the forests of the Gaoligong mountains was previously thought to be the habitat of another population of H. leuconedys. Researchers estimate H. tianxing diverged from H. leuconedys roughly 490,000 years ago.. Etymology. Great Wall Leopards Skywalker Hoolock Gibbon Glacial Melt on the Tibetan Plateau ShenNongJia South China Mangroves and Oyster Reefs Giant Panda National Park 9 Peak Mountain Path of the Panda - Sidetracked Magazine Asia's Water Tower Spirit of Nyenpo Yurtse Ganggeqiaji Protecting Darkness TNF Conservation Tibet #PeopleNeedNature china map Skywalker Hoolock Gibbon However, scientists determined that the gibbons living to the east of the Irawaddy-Nmai Hka rivers are a distinct species. /VCG . A female gibbon. © News about the Skywalker hoolock gibbon, which lives in forests in southwest China, was greeted with delight by actor Mark Hamill, who played the character in the films. They traveled fast to enter sleeping tree a mean of 160 ± SD 43 min before sunset at Nankang, and a mean of 192 ± SD 40 min before sunset at Banchang. By Dr Alfredo Carpineti 11 Jan 2017, 16:50 . The primate joins two other species in the genus of hoolock gibbons: the western (Hoolock hoolock) and eastern hoolock (H. leuconedys) gibbons, which are geographically separated by the Chindwin River. FEEDBACK: Use this form to send a message to the author of this post. Hoolock Gibbon is just one of them. The hoolock gibbons are three primate species of genus Hoolock in the gibbon family, Hylobatidae, native to eastern Bangladesh, Northeast India, Myanmar and Southwest China. (Image: © Zoological Society of London) In a galaxy not so far way, there's a new Skywalker in town. Adult female Skywalker hoolock gibbon They are therefore calling for these animals to be recognised as a new species: the Gaoligong or ‘Skywalker’ hoolock gibbon ( H. tianxing sp. You may republish Mongabay content in your publication at no cost, A Madagascar forest long protected by its remoteness is now threatened by it, Alleged gov’t-linked land grabs threaten Cambodia’s Cardamom Mountains, Fueled by impunity, invasions surge in Brazil’s Indigenous lands, Chinese demand and domestic instability are wiping out Senegal’s last forests, 2020’s top ocean news stories (commentary), ‘Tamper with nature, and everyone suffers’: Q&A with ecologist Enric Sala, New paper highlights spread of organized crime from global fisheries, Study: Chinese ‘dark fleets’ illegally defying sanctions by fishing in North Korean waters, Brazilian woman threatened by Amazon loggers wins global human rights award, Tropical forests can take the heat, study finds. "Increased awareness of the remarkable ecosystem of the Gaoligong mountains and improved conservation is essential, to ensure we have time to get fully acquainted with this exciting new species before it's too late.". The Skywalker hoolock gibbon or Gaoligong hoolock gibbon is a primate in the gibbon family, Hylobatidae. Content by Andie Ang unless otherwise stated © 2014-2020 | Andie Ang. The Force-sensitive moniker is a nod to the gibbons' lofty treetop home in the forests of the Gaoligong mountains in southwest China. nov.) – a Star Wars-inspired name reflecting the high treetop home of the gibbons, and the historical Chinese view of them as almost mystical beings.