A Tale of Two Gibbon Studies in Thailand

Abstract

Narratives are presented on the first studies of white-handed gibbons (Hylobates lar) in Khao Yai National Park and pileated gibbons (Hylobates pileatus) in Khao Soi Dao Wildlife Sanctuary in Thailand. We describe local methods of camping (adapted from non-timber forest product (NTFP) collectors and cardamom harvesters) during the habituation process for studying gibbon behaviour in both areas. Gibbons were successfully habituated by a British physical anthropologist, Jeremy Raemaekers, who laid down the foundations for studies on white-handed gibbons in Khao Yai. Meanwhile, conservation work was being done on pileated gibbons in Khao Soi Dao by local Thai biologists. A television documentary on pileated gibbons, made by a local Thai celebrity, used situation comedy in real-field situations to raise local awareness about the gibbons, and helped to reconnect conservation efforts. We recommend that education in local schools should address conservation efforts and include knowledge on gibbon recolonisation after conservation interventions. This chapter reflects the local perspectives on both local and international primatologists contributing towards the field of ‘gibbonology’ and should be considered an additional style of describing ‘ethnoprimatology’ by biologists from a primate habitat country.