Science-based suggestions to save the world’s rarest primate species Nomascus hainanus

• DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adv4828
• Publication Date: 2025-04-11T17:59:46Z
• Authors: Xukai Zhong; Xia Huang; Changyue Zhu; Yuxin Wang; Colin A. Chapman; Paul A. Garber; Yuan Chen; Pengfei Fan
• Keywords: Extinction (optical mineralogy); Effective population size

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.