Abstract
Gibbons (Hylobatidae spp.) is the only hominoid distributed in China, and it also belongs to the most rapidly extinct primates in Chinese modern history. Researches on the historical distribution of gibbons and the factors impacting the distribution, however, are rather limited. We presented the distribution and vicissitude of gibbons in China dating back to Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) in this paper based on the ancient literatures. Results suggest that the distribution area of gibbons shrunk around several sub-regions until which disappeared, whichis different from the former idea that gibbons disappeared from the northeast to southwest. The only survived.existing sub-regions are in southwest China and Hainan Island. Reasons of this habitat decrease are multiple, among them, the human disturbance matters significantly.
