Hylobates[1][2] | |
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A pileated gibbon (Hylobates pileatus) female hanging from tree | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Mammalia |
Order: | Primates |
Suborder: | Haplorhini |
Infraorder: | Simiiformes |
Family: | Hylobatidae |
Genus: | Hylobates Illiger, 1811 |
Type species | |
Homo lar [1] Linnaeus, 1771
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Species | |
Distribution of Hylobates and its species (note: Bornean population formerly included in H. agilis is now generally considered a separate species, H. albibarbis; H. muelleri is now split into H. muelleri, H. abbotti, and H. funereus) |
The genus Hylobates /ˌhaɪloʊˈbeɪtiːz/ is one of the four genera of gibbons. Its name means "forest walker", from the Greek hūlē (ὕλη, "forest") and bates (βάτης, "one who treads").[3][4]
It was once considered the only genus, but recently its subgenera (Hoolock [formerly Bunopithecus], Nomascus, and Symphalangus) have been elevated to the genus level.[1][5] Hylobates remains the most species-rich and widespread of gibbon genera, ranging from southern China (Yunnan) to western and central Java.
Individuals within this genus are characterized by 44 chromosomes and often have a ring of white fur around their faces.[2]