Nomascus is the second most speciose genus of gibbons (family Hylobatidae). Originally this genus was a subgenus of Hylobates, and all individuals were considered one species, Hylobates concolor. Species within Nomascus are characterized by 52 chromosomes. Some species are all black, some light with a distinct black tuft of crown fur, and some by distinct, light-colored cheek patches. Nomascus is found from southern China (Yunnan) to southern Vietnam, and also on Hainan Island. One of the genus' species, Nomascus nasutus, has been deemed "the most critically endangered ape species in the world".

Classification

• Family Hylobatidae: gibbons
  • Genus Nomascus
    • Concolor or Black Crested Gibbon, Nomascus concolor
      • Nomascus concolor concolor
      • Nomascus concolor lu
      • Nomascus concolor jingdongensis
      • Nomascus concolor furvogaster
    • Eastern Black Crested Gibbon, Nomascus nasutus
      • Nomascus nasutus nasutus
      • Hainan Gibbon, Nomascus nasutus hainanus
    • White-cheeked Crested Gibbon, Nomascus leucogenys
      • Northern White-cheeked Crested Gibbon, Nomascus leucogenys leucogenys
      • Southern White-cheeked Crested Gibbon, Nomascus leucogenys siki
    • Yellow-cheeked Gibbon, Nomascus gabriellae

References