Organism
Mueller's Gibbon
TL;DR
Mueller's gibbon demonstrates sophisticated acoustic territorial negotiation.
Mueller's gibbon demonstrates sophisticated acoustic territorial negotiation. In Borneo's rainforest, males begin morning songs - cascading series of whoops and trills lasting nearly twenty minutes. Neighboring males answer from 800+ meters away, precisely timing their calls to avoid overlap. Within five minutes, fifteen gibbon territories can announce themselves across three square kilometers, negotiating territorial boundaries, advertising presence to potential mates, and coordinating activities - all without physical encounter.
Notable Traits of Mueller's Gibbon
- 20-minute morning songs
- 800m+ call range
- precise timing to avoid overlap with neighbors