Java - Indonesia

Saving the Endangered Javan Gibbon

"It is not alarmist to talk of possible extinction. But if we act now, act fast, there's a real chance we can save them. We know what needs to be done. We just need to make it happen" Damian Aspinall, Chairman, The Aspinall Foundation

Java Primate Project  - The Cry of the Wild

The tropical rainforests of Java used to be filled with the haunting sound of gibbons singing to one another. Now these forests are shrinking in size and stand eerily quiet. The Aspinall Foundation's Cry of the Wild appeal aims to return the gibbons, their songs and other primates to protected areas of forest in Java.

Latest News....... and pictures.......

We are excited to announce that on Monday 20th June the first Javan gibbon was rescued and transfered to his new home in our purpose built sanctuary. Named Cheri he was being kept in terrible conditions and is now settling into his new enclosure, where he can move more freely and enjoy a varied diet of fruit.  We have now rescued 4 gibbons and 4 Javan langurs. We will bring you updates on these new arrivals in the coming weeks and months.  If you would like to support this project please donate to our Cry of the Wild Appeal.  

The Aspinall Foundation has launched a new project to save the endangered Javan Gibbon (Hylobates moloch) - also known as Moloch or Silvery Gibbon. These primates are unique to the Indonesian island of Java, where it is estimated that less than 2,000 remain. With no population group containing more than 100 individuals, they are currently the most endangered of all the gibbon species. The main threats to this species are from sale in the illegal pet trade (young animals are hounded using dogs), hunting for food & medicine, and deforestation.

At present there are only around 50 captive Javan Gibbons outside of Indonesia, held at ten zoos around the world. While these zoos are cooperating in a captive breeding programme, only a few pairs are breeding successfully.

Howletts and Port Lympne Wild Animal Parks together hold half of the world's total captive population - currently housing 11 males and 13 females between the two parks. With 24 viable births since 1988, we are the world's most successful breeder of this species.

Enclosures, fruit store and vet centre now built..  

The Aspinall Foundation is further building on its captive breeding success by establishing a breeding centre in Java for gibbons and other Indonesian primates that have been rescued or confiscated from the illegal pet trade by government officials.  A piece of land was leased, the MOU (Memorandum Of Understanding) has been signed with the government and the first 6 enclosures, veterinary facilities and a fruit store have been built.

In the longer term, we hope to set up a permanent research facility within one of the few remaining Javan gibbon habitats in order to study wild gibbon behaviour and to improve reintroduction strategies and to begin a reintroduction programme to return these rescued and rehabilitated gibbons into protected forest areas. In addition The Aspinall Foundation is currently looking for a suitable location to establish a Javan langur reintroduction site and completed a population survey for this species in 2009.

On a larger scale The Aspinall Foundation is also looking at several forest restoration projects in Indonesia, notably in Aceh in Kalimantan as well as looking into the possibility of creating a second wildlife sanctuary in Aceh.

Following a number of positive meetings with the department of Biodiversity and Conservation, The Aspinall Foundation will possibly become one of the first external NGOs to enter into a protected area management agreement in collaboration with the Indonesian Ministry of Forestry.

Head over to the Javan Primates Conservation Project Facebook page for all the latest news and pictures.