Gibbon Tales from Asia

13/10/2025
11:00 - 12:00
IUCN Asia Pavilion , Morning

Why attend

Meet the gibbons of Java and Borneo from Indonesia and China through science, song, and story. Discover their unique traits, hear their calls, and learn how local culture can inspire action to protect these small apes before their songs fade from the forest.

Session Description

In this interactive session, three gibbon scientists and practitioners will introduce the unique characteristics of the gibbons from each region, from Indonesia (Java and Kalimantan), and China, highlighting their behaviors, habitats, and, above all, their remarkable songs. Using live storytelling, multimedia visuals, and audio recordings, we will bring participants closer to these small apes before weaving in local cultural narratives gathered from the field, such as the Javan tale of a thirsty gibbon singing to the sky. By combining science and storytelling, we aim to inspire deeper appreciation, care, and action for gibbon conservation across Asia.

Session agenda

Speaker

Speaker Susan Cheyne

Vice-Chair

Gibbon Tales from Asia

Speaker Rahayu OKTAVIANI

Gibbon Tales from Asia

Speaker Lu YAN

Gibbon Tales from Asia