Gibbons

The genus Hylobates (gibbons) belongs to the family Hylobatidae within the order Primates. While these animals are primarily forest dwellers and play a crucial ecological role in seed dispersal, in regions adjacent to agro-ecosystems, they can be classified as specific pests for plantation crops.

These primates cause damage primarily to tropical and subtropical crops. The list of the most vulnerable plants includes fruit trees (mango, durian, rambutan), cocoa, and coffee, as well as young oil palm shoots, which gibbons may damage while foraging for food.

The biology of gibbons is characterized by an arboreal lifestyle and strict territoriality. Their life cycle is long: sexual maturity is reached at 6–8 years, and the interval between births is 2–3 years. In agricultural landscapes, groups of gibbons may raid plantations during periods of natural food scarcity in surrounding forest areas.

The nature of the damage involves the selective consumption of fruits at various stages of ripening and the destruction of the crop's market appearance. Furthermore, when moving through tree canopies, gibbons often break young branches of fruit trees, which negatively affects the yield of subsequent seasons and the overall health of the tree stands.

Protection measures against gibbons are primarily deterrent in nature, as many species are endangered. Effective methods include:

• Installation of mesh fencing around high-value plantation areas.
• Use of visual and acoustic deterrents (noise cannons, reflective elements).
• Creation of buffer zones made of plants unpalatable to primates along the perimeter.
• Regular field patrols by staff to prevent intrusion by primate groups.