Science Advances, Год журнала: 2025, Номер 11(15)

Опубликована: Апрель 11, 2025

Conservation practices for extremely small populations must be grounded in solid science to prevent extinction. Hainan gibbon ( Nomascus hainanus ) is the world’s rarest primate species; however, insufficient data on its habitat suitability and genetic status impede evidence-based decisions restoration. Here, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of gibbons’ energy intake expenditure, reproductive parameters, diversity based field research (March 2021 December 2022) long-term historical (2003 2024). By comparing our results with those captive gibbons other free-feeding primates, found that can obtain sufficient growth reproduction their existing habitats. Furthermore, identified an additional D-loop haplotype indicating current population more genetically diverse than previously thought. However, recently formed adult male-female pairs are increasingly related, signaling high risk inbreeding within this population. Based these findings, highlight urgent need expand available by building corridors.

Язык: Английский