# Bornean White-bearded Gibbon

> Bornean White-bearded Gibbon (Hylobates albibarbis). The Bornean white-bearded gibbon inhabits southern Borneo and is separated from the agile gibbon by some taxonomies; sources place it between the Kapuas and Barito rivers.

Source: https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/hylobates-albibarbis/ · Updated 1 October 2026 · English · Bahasa Indonesia: https://panduanhewan.org/id/spesies/hylobates-albibarbis/
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**Review status:** This guide was compiled from the listed species sources and observation records; it has not been reviewed by a taxonomic specialist. GBIF records are neither a census nor proof of native range.

## Quick answer

The Bornean White-bearded Gibbon (*Hylobates albibarbis*) is a mammal in the family Hylobatidae. In Indonesia, observation records come mainly from Central Kalimantan, West Kalimantan, South Kalimantan. It is endemic to Indonesia, living naturally only in West and Central Kalimantan, between the Kapuas and Barito rivers. Diet: mainly ripe fruit (frugivore); a herbivore. IUCN Red List status: Endangered. It is a legally protected species in Indonesia (Regulation P.106/2018).

| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | *Hylobates albibarbis* |
| Indonesian name | Owa jenggot putih |
| Group | Mammals |
| Family | Hylobatidae |
| Observation records | Central Kalimantan, West Kalimantan, South Kalimantan |
| Taxonomic group | Primates |
| GBIF records | 64 human-observation records, 2016–2026 |
| Data retrieved | 2026-09-23 |
| IUCN status | Endangered · [IUCN Red List (via GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/species/5707402) · checked 1 October 2026 |
| Legal protection in Indonesia | Protected · [Regulation P.106/2018](https://jdih.kehutanan.go.id/new2/uploads/files/P_106_2018_JENIS_TSL_menlhk_07252019152513.pdf) · annex no. 65 |
| Elevation | Tropical rainforest up to 1,200 m above sea level · [Gibbonesia — Owa Jenggot-putih](https://gibbonesia.id/owa-indonesia/owa-jenggot-putih/) |
| Diet type | Herbivore (plant-eater) — mainly ripe fruit (frugivore) · [IUCN Red List](https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/39879/17967053) |
| Reproduction | Giving birth to live young (viviparous) · [Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Mammalia/) |
| Observance days | [Indonesian Primate Day (30 January)](https://panduanhewan.org/en/animal-days-calendar/#hari-primata-indonesia) |
| Active | Diurnal (active by day) · [EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), MamFuncDat.txt](https://esapubs.org/archive/ecol/E095/178/MamFuncDat.txt) |
| Endemic to Indonesia | Yes — West and Central Kalimantan, between the Kapuas and Barito rivers · [IUCN Red List](https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/39879/17967053) |

## What is the Bornean White-bearded Gibbon?

Bornean White-bearded Gibbon refers to Hylobates albibarbis, in the genus Hylobates, family Hylobatidae, and order Primates. The scientific name follows the accepted taxon in the GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Common names can vary between places; the scientific name distinguishes this species from relatives.

Evidence: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon](https://www.gbif.org/species/5707402)

## What is known about the Bornean White-bearded Gibbon?

The Bornean white-bearded gibbon inhabits southern Borneo and is separated from the agile gibbon by some taxonomies; sources place it between the Kapuas and Barito rivers.

Read that fact alongside the scientific name and species source, not as proof from an unclear photograph. Populations, ages and taxonomic limits can differ; when identification is uncertain, record the broader group.

Evidence: [Species account — background reading](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hylobates%20albibarbis)

## How many Indonesian records name the Bornean White-bearded Gibbon?

When checked on 2026-09-23, the GBIF search returned 64 human-observation records from Indonesia under this species name for 2016–2026. That is a count of indexed records, not an estimate of population, abundance or unique individuals. Observation effort can vary by location, and the count may change as records are added or identifications revised.

Evidence: [GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026](https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/search?country=ID&speciesKey=5707402&basisOfRecord=HUMAN_OBSERVATION&year=2016%2C2026&limit=0&facet=stateProvince&facetLimit=7)

## Where were observations reported?

Place labels appearing in the results include Central Kalimantan, West Kalimantan, South Kalimantan. They are labels attached to records, not a complete range map or evidence that the species occurs only there. Some labels may be broad or inconsistent. Check the underlying records before using the location information for field decisions.

Evidence: [GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026](https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/search?country=ID&speciesKey=5707402&basisOfRecord=HUMAN_OBSERVATION&year=2016%2C2026&limit=0&facet=stateProvince&facetLimit=7)

## How can you observe the Bornean White-bearded Gibbon?

Watch from a distance, do not feed, and avoid sharing precise locations of vulnerable dens or resting sites. Do not try to catch or touch wild mammals. A well-documented sighting helps others check the identification without turning one encounter into a conservation-status claim.

## Explore related animals

To explore this group further, compare Bornean White-bearded Gibbon with Lar Gibbon, Javan Lutung, Thomas’s Langur. These links reflect a shared genus, family, order, class or catalogue group; taxonomic proximity does not imply identical habitat needs or conservation status.

## Scientific classification of the Bornean White-bearded Gibbon

| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Primates |
| Family | Hylobatidae |
| Genus | *Hylobates* |
| Species | *Hylobates albibarbis* |

Source: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c)

## Common questions about the Bornean White-bearded Gibbon

### What is the scientific name of the Bornean White-bearded Gibbon?

The scientific name of the Bornean White-bearded Gibbon is *Hylobates albibarbis*, in the family Hylobatidae and the order Primates. In Indonesian it is called Owa jenggot putih.

### What kind of animal is the Bornean White-bearded Gibbon?

The Bornean White-bearded Gibbon is a mammal in the family Hylobatidae. By diet it is a herbivore (plant-eater): a mainly ripe fruit (frugivore). It is also endemic to Indonesia.

### Where does the Bornean White-bearded Gibbon live in Indonesia?

Observation records of the Bornean White-bearded Gibbon summarised in this guide mainly come from Central Kalimantan, West Kalimantan, South Kalimantan. That list is not a complete range map.

The Bornean White-bearded Gibbon is endemic to Indonesia and lives naturally only in West and Central Kalimantan, between the Kapuas and Barito rivers. Source: [IUCN Red List](https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/39879/17967053).

### What does the Bornean White-bearded Gibbon eat?

The Bornean White-bearded Gibbon is a mainly ripe fruit (frugivore). That makes it a herbivore (plant-eater). Source: [IUCN Red List](https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/39879/17967053).

### How does the Bornean White-bearded Gibbon reproduce?

The Bornean White-bearded Gibbon reproduces by giving birth to live young (viviparous). Source: [Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Mammalia/).

### Is the Bornean White-bearded Gibbon nocturnal?

The cited source records the Bornean White-bearded Gibbon as diurnal (active by day). Source: [EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), MamFuncDat.txt](https://esapubs.org/archive/ecol/E095/178/MamFuncDat.txt).

See also [the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/nocturnal-and-diurnal-animals/).

### What is the scientific classification of the Bornean White-bearded Gibbon?

Scientific classification of the Bornean White-bearded Gibbon: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Mammalia, order Primates, family Hylobatidae, genus *Hylobates*, species *Hylobates albibarbis*.

Source: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c), adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.

### Is the Bornean White-bearded Gibbon endangered?

Yes. On the IUCN Red List, the Bornean White-bearded Gibbon is listed as Endangered: it is considered to face a very high risk of extinction in the wild. Source: [IUCN Red List (via GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/species/5707402), checked 1 October 2026.

This global category is separate from national legal protection. [Is the Bornean White-bearded Gibbon protected in Indonesia?](#protected)

### Is the Bornean White-bearded Gibbon protected in Indonesia?

Yes. The Bornean White-bearded Gibbon (*Hylobates albibarbis*) is a protected species in Indonesia under [Environment and Forestry Ministerial Regulation No. P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 on protected plant and animal species](https://jdih.kehutanan.go.id/new2/uploads/files/P_106_2018_JENIS_TSL_menlhk_07252019152513.pdf) (annex, entry 65).

Article 21(2) of Law No. 5 of 1990, as amended by Law No. 32 of 2024, prohibits anyone from hunting, catching, injuring, killing, storing, owning, keeping, transporting or trading a protected animal, alive or dead, including its body parts, eggs and nests.

If you see this animal being traded, kept or injured, contact the [local BKSDA office](https://panduanhewan.org/en/bksda-offices/).

### Can the Bornean White-bearded Gibbon be kept as a pet?

No. Because the Bornean White-bearded Gibbon is a protected species, catching, owning, keeping, transporting or trading it without a permit is prohibited by law. Trading without a permit through electronic media is also prohibited.

If you see this animal for sale or being kept, report it to the [local BKSDA office](https://panduanhewan.org/en/bksda-offices/).

## Sources & references

1. [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon](https://www.gbif.org/species/5707402)
2. [GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026](https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/search?country=ID&speciesKey=5707402&basisOfRecord=HUMAN_OBSERVATION&year=2016%2C2026&limit=0&facet=stateProvince&facetLimit=7)
3. [iNaturalist — exact species taxon and community observations](https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/74453)
4. [Species account — background reading](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hylobates%20albibarbis)
5. [Peraturan Menteri LHK Nomor P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 tentang Jenis Tumbuhan dan Satwa yang Dilindungi](https://jdih.kehutanan.go.id/new2/uploads/files/P_106_2018_JENIS_TSL_menlhk_07252019152513.pdf)
6. [Gibbonesia — Owa Jenggot-putih](https://gibbonesia.id/owa-indonesia/owa-jenggot-putih/)
7. [IUCN Red List](https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/39879/17967053)
8. [Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Mammalia/)
9. [EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), MamFuncDat.txt](https://esapubs.org/archive/ecol/E095/178/MamFuncDat.txt)
10. [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c)

## Further reading

[Gibbon: facts, threats and conservation](https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/wildlife-guides/gibbon/) — World Animal Rescue Network. A broader overview that covers this animal.

_Related site: PanduanHewan’s founder is also a director of World Animal Rescue Network._

## Keep exploring

- [Lar Gibbon](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/hylobates-lar/)
- [Javan Lutung](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/trachypithecus-auratus/)
- [Thomas’s Langur](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/presbytis-thomasi/)
- [Agile gibbon](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/agile-gibbon/)

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Cite: PanduanHewan. (2026). Bornean White-bearded Gibbon. PanduanHewan.org. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/hylobates-albibarbis/