Spotlight on Students: Endangered Primate Profile

The following is a guest post featuring the work of a student enrolled in SA 202: Introduction to Anthropology.  This exceptional work highlights the importance of primate conservation.  I hope you find this piece informative and are inspired to make a positive change in the world that will help this and other endangered primates.

Hainan Gibbons (Photo credit: Laurent Rivasseau/Flickr/Creative Commons)

 

By: Donovan Joyner

Across the globe, animal species face extinction at an alarming rate, with primates among the most threatened. As our closest biological relatives, primates play a crucial role in biodiversity, culture, and ecosystems. However, without immediate conservation efforts, many of these species will disappear forever. The Hainan gibbon, the world’s rarest ape, exemplifies this crisis. With fewer than 40 individuals remaining, its survival is threatened by habitat loss, poaching, and environmental changes. Protecting primates like the Hainan gibbon requires urgent awareness, conservation initiatives, and strong wildlife protection laws to prevent their extinction and preserve the balance of our ecosystem.

In the deep jungle on the secluded Hainan Island within Chinese territory, an elusive primate known as the Hainan gibbon resides. Hainan gibbons have silky, plush-like coats with distinct coloring differences between males and females (Downey 2). Males have entirely black fur, sometimes with fluffy golden cheek patches and a mohawk-like crest. Females, on the other hand, have golden fur with a black crown patch extending to the nape, yellow whiskers, and a white facial outline (Downey 2). Young gibbons start with a pale buff coat similar to adult females, but by the age of five, males turn black, while females develop a richer golden hue (Downey 2).

Hainan gibbons are primarily frugivores, favoring figs, lychee, berries, flowers, seeds, bamboo shoots, and young leaves. Occasionally, they consume insects or small lizards for extra protein and calcium. They drink water from tree hollows or leaves. Habitat loss due to plantations has limited their diet, forcing them to rely mainly on Banyan trees (figs) and wild banana trees, which provide year-round sustenance. Downey notes that these trees have become a crucial food source as other dietary options decline.

According to Downey, the Hainan gibbon is listed as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature IUCN (Downey 2) and is considered the world’s rarest ape, with only 37 individuals in seven groups as of 2024 (Turvey 2). Despite conservation efforts leading to a slow population increase, repopulation remains extremely difficult due to habitat destruction, genetic decline, and human activities. The Hainan gibbon faces several critical threats to its survival. Habitat loss and fragmentation, driven by agriculture, illegal logging, and expanding human settlements, have significantly reduced its living space. Hunting and illegal trade have also played a major role in its decline, as the gibbons have been killed for bushmeat, used in traditional medicine, and captured for the pet trade (Downey 2). Additionally, low genetic diversity poses a serious risk, which threatens their long-term survival. Furthermore, environmental risks, including annual typhoons, potential epidemics, and pollution, continue to endanger the species, leaving it on the brink of extinction (Downey 2).

Thanks to over a decade of conservation efforts, government support, and local community involvement, their population is slowly increasing. However, urgent action is needed to expand and protect their remaining lowland forest habitat, requiring ongoing collaboration (Schwitzer 73).  Protecting the Hainan gibbon requires intensive, well-planned conservation efforts. Despite decades of conservation work, the gibbon population in Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park has remained small, with only 20–30 individuals and limited breeding groups, putting the species at serious risk. Ensuring the long-term survival of the species depends on reducing conflicts between local communities and gibbons, making evidence-based conservation decisions, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders (Turvey 2). The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) is committed to securing the future of the Hainan gibbon by strengthening habitat protection, improving forest connectivity, and promoting gibbon population growth. Their efforts focus on monitoring habitat needs, encouraging new group formation, and expanding the gibbon’s range into high-quality habitats within the park. Additionally, ZSL aims to better understand the broader threats to Hainan’s endemic biodiversity to support long-term conservation success (Turvey 2).

The New England Primate Conservancy states the Hainan gibbon plays a vital role in the health of the ecosystem on Hainan Island. Any disruptions that harm the gibbon also indicate broader environmental threats to other species (Downey 3). Historically, Hainan gibbons have played a crucial role in seed dispersal, helping regenerate native plant species by spreading seeds through their feces. However, continued habitat destruction and the species' critically low population now threaten this natural process, endangering both plant life and the wildlife that depends on it (Downey 3).

The Endangered Species International Inc. states in their article “Why Primates Matter”: “nonhuman primates are our closest biological relatives and are essential to ecosystems, cultures, religions, and local livelihoods” because they play a crucial role in regenerating tropical forests, as well as maintaining a healthy ecological balance by dispersing seeds and contributing to forest growth. Their survival is vital for biodiversity, as their extinction would have far-reaching consequences for ecosystems and the species that depend on them.

Works Cited

 

“Conservation Needs for Primates.” Endangered Species International, www.endangeredspeciesinternational.org/news_jan17.html. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.

Downey, Kathleen. “Hainan Gibbon, Nomascus Hainanus - New England Primate Conservancy.” New England Primate Conservancy - ​Committed to Leaving a Legacy of Hope ​and Tools to Build a Better Tomorrow for All the Earth’s Citizens, 14 Nov. 2024, neprimateconservancy.org/hainan-gibbon/.

Schwitzer, Christoph. “Primates in Peril : The World’s 25 Most Endangered Primates, 2016-2018.” IUCN, 5 Jan. 2023,

iucn.org/resources/jointly-published/primates-peril-worlds-25-most-endangered-primates-2016-2018.

Turvey, Samuel. “Hainan Gibbon Conservation.” ZSL, www.zsl.org/what-we-do/projects/hainan-gibbon-conservation. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.

Spotlight on Students: Origins and Meanings of American Idioms

This post highlights the work required of my SA 202: Introduction to Anthropology students. Students were given the opportunity to research and identify the origins and meanings of a specific American phrase that they selected. Several students were given the opportunity to have their exemplary work featured on the blog, and the students who provided permission have their work featured here in this and the following blog posts. Please show your appreciation for their work through the comments.

The phrase "can't teach an old dog new tricks" came from a dog training manual, but it has morphed into referring to any individual who refuses to learn (Image Source: Pritchett Cartoons)

By: Bianca Ekholm

For this discussion, I chose the phrase "you can't teach an old dog new tricks." I chose this phrase because it is a phrase that I have heard many times before, but I have never learned the actual meaning of it. I have always taken this term more literally and assumed that it meant that it is easier to teach a young person new things than it is an older person who might not care to learn anymore. After conducting research, I learned that I was somewhat correct in my original definition. The phrase has a long history, with some historians tracing its origins back to a 1523 book by an Englishman named Fitzherbert, which focused on animal care. The book was specifically referring to training a dog to follow a scent. The phrase was originally written in a more literal manner as older dogs are not as physically or mentally capable of learning new skills or tricks as younger dogs. Today, the phrase means that it is often hard to change a persons already developed habits or characteristics in order to teach them something new. The phrase originally shifted to its current meaning in 1721, when Nathan Bailey used the phrase metaphorically to allude to people and their struggle to learn new things or change habits/behaviors. The meaning changed overtime because of the broad lack of desire to change in society. Some may use the phrase to describe their frustration with someone else's refusal to change habits, while others may use it to defend and explain why they resist change, even if the change may be for their own benefit. The meaning and use of this phrase in our current day says that most of humanity does not like change. While many people may seek change or strive to be overall better, there is an underlying stubbornness and resistance that holds those individuals back from evolving or making major adjustments in their lives. 

Work Cited:

Steenson, Tony, et al. “You Can’t Teach an Old Dog New Tricks ... or Can You?” Unimed Living, https://www.unimedliving.com/men/true-man/you-can-t-teach-an-old-dog-new-tricks-or-can-you.html.

“Can You Teach an Old Dog New Tricks?” Wonderopolis, wonderopolis.org/wonder/can-you-teach-an-old-dog-new-tricks. 

You Can’t Teach an Old Dog New Tricks - Cambridge English Dictionary, dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/you-can-t-teach-an-old-dog-new-tricks. 

A woman receiving unsolicited comments is a form of catcalling. (Source: Google Images)

 

By: Donovan Joyner

Let's discuss the term “Catcalling.” I have chosen this term because I respect and appreciate women. Before conducting any research, I believed that “catcalling” referred to when a man whistles or makes a comment to a woman he finds attractive in hopes of getting her attention. According to the article The Evolution of Catcalling, the first use of the term catcall originated in the Shakespearean era, where it was used to mock performers. The audience would shriek and cry in a manner similar to a cat’s meowing, using the term as a way to show disapproval at plays. 

Originally, it had no connection to street harassment. However, over time, the meaning evolved. Today, according to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, catcalling is defined as “the act of shouting a loud, sexually suggestive, threatening, or harassing call or remark at someone publicly.” Essentially, it is now understood as a form of sexual harassment.

The meaning of catcalling began to shift in the 20th century. In the 1940s, cartoonist Tex Avery created the character Slick Joe McWolf, a wolf known for drooling and whistling when seeing an attractive woman. This behavior was notably depicted in Red Hot Riding Hood, a reimagined version of Little Red Riding Hood. Despite its exaggerated nature, the cartoon was rated ‘U’ (suitable for all audiences), potentially influencing young boys and men to view such actions as normal and acceptable (Lee 1).

Catcalling is often dismissed as a "compliment," but genuine compliments come from trusted individuals in appropriate situations, not from aggressive strangers. In today's culture, catcalling is understood as a form of objectification and dominance rather than admiration. This reflects a broader societal issue where women's discomfort is overlooked, and catcalling is used to boost the caller’s self-esteem without considering its impact on those targeted (Lee 1).

Work Cited

Lee, Jessica. “The Evolution of Catcalling.” That’s What She Said Magazine, 26 Nov. 2022, twssmagazine.com/2022/11/26/the-evolution-of-catcalling/. 

“Catcalling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/catcalling. Accessed 15 Feb. 2025.

 

Spotlight on Students: Cultural Relativism vs. Ethnocentrism

This post highlights the work required of my SA 202: Introduction to Anthropology students. Students were given the opportunity to explore a different culture through two lenses, cultural relativism and ethnocentrism, and through this exercise learn about themselves and the other culture. Several students were given the opportunity to have their exemplary work featured on the blog, and the students who provided permission have their work featured here in this and the following blog posts. Please show your appreciation for their work through the comments.

A young man gets covered in spices during the Pebersvend tradition (Source: Russell, 2016)

 

By: August Forck

Every country has its own unique culture and customs. Some countries have traditions that are products of, and beneficial to, their environments. Other traditions may seem arbitrary or silly to those unfamiliar with those customs. Regardless, those traditions are an important part of a country’s culture. This essay will seek to establish the difference between cultural relativism and ethnocentrism as it relates to tradition. To do this, we will look at a tradition from Denmark and define both cultural relativism and ethnocentrism through hypothetical reactions to this tradition.

Denmark has a very unique way of celebrating birthdays, reminiscent of hazing rituals in American fraternities and sororities. According to an article from The Telegraph, Danish birthdays are celebrated with a barrage of baking ingredients. Dating back hundreds of years, this tradition involves showering one’s friends and family in egg whites and spices, especially, it appears, cinnamon (Russell 2016). According to the article, the tradition began with Danish spice salesmen, who “were so busy travelling [sic] around, selling their wares, that they had very little time for dating” (Russell 2016, page 1). The Pebersvends tradition, which translates to something along the lines of “Pepper Dudes,” is meant to mock that perpetual unmarried status those traders experienced and playfully remind current Danes about their dating life (Russell 2016). It is a tradition that is all in good fun, though, and is not meant to hurt feelings.

Upon learning about customs as silly sounding as this, some people would sneer at such a thought and would compare such traditions to those from their own country. They might think that their own birthday traditions are more important or serious or just better for some reason or another. Those people might seek to “correct” Danish citizens, trying to get them to abandon their traditions in favor of that person’s own customs. This view is known as ethnocentrism, which is “the attitude that one’s own group, ethnicity, or nationality is superior to others” (“Ethnocentrism Definition & Meaning,” N.D., page 1). Ethnocentrism, while not necessarily inherently negative, is an attitude that can lead to annexation and assimilation, ethnic cleansing, and the destruction of priceless cultural aspects if not kept in check.

For example, an ethnocentric view of the Danish tradition might be something like this: I, an American, see some Danish people out celebrating a birthday by absolutely marinating their friend in cinnamon, clove, and other spices. To me, this looks incredibly wasteful, and though they appear to be having a good time, I think that they are making themselves look ridiculous. With an ethnocentric attitude, I would reflect on the vast superiority of blowing out a bunch of candles on a cake and wearing a little paper cone on my head all day. That is not wasteful or silly-looking. If I was a jerk, I would take that thinking even a step further and try to intervene with the birthday celebrations of the Danish folks to correct the way that they are celebrating. That line of thinking might seem ridiculous in this case, but ethnocentric ideas like that have been used to destroy countless customs and cultures in the past through actions like colonialism.

The flip side of this idea is called cultural relativism. This is an attitude that recognizes and respects the differences between cultures; in essence, it is “the view that ethical and social standards reflect the cultural context from which they are derived” (“Cultural Relativism,” N.D., page 1). In the same scenario as before, cultural relativism can be used to come to a much different conclusion. In the Pebersvend case, I might see this Danish celebration and recognize that although it is much different from a typical birthday celebration in the United States, it is a tradition that is entrenched in their culture with a long historical context. Rather than viewing this custom as ridiculous, I would see that these people are having fun and celebrating their friend’s birthday in a way that is special to them, and I would go about my day without saying anything more about it. In fact, I might be excited to have learned something new.

These two reactions, cultural relativism and ethnocentrism, are opposite. Obviously, the more ethical of these two ideas is cultural relativism. However, pride in one’s own traditions and culture exhibited in ethnocentrism is also important. Going back to the two scenarios, I am allowed to think that their tradition is a little wasteful, and I can definitely prefer my own way of celebrating without trying to inflict my own traditions on others. The goal when interacting with people whose views or culture are different from one's own should always be to learn and understand that new culture. Cultural relativism should be what each person strives for, in the end.

Works Cited

“Cultural Relativism.” No Date. Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs, Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs, www.carnegiecouncil.org/explore-engage/key-terms/cultural-relativism.

“Ethnocentrism Definition & Meaning.” No Date. Merriam-Webster, Merriam Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ethnocentrism.

Russell, Helen. “Single in Denmark? Prepare for Birthday Spice Attacks.” The Telegraph, Telegraph Media Group, 4 March 2016, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/expat/life/single-in-denmark-prepare-for-birthday-spice-attacks/.