Community of rare gibbons discovered in Vietnam - in pictures

Some 455 endangered northern white-cheeked gibbons have been found living at high altitudes and far from human settlements on the border with Laos. Researchers, who had previously found sparse groups in other areas, used the animals' 'loud, elaborate and prolonged' calls to locate the creatures Photograph: Terry Whittaker/Conservation International

The community represents two-thirds of the total number in Vietnam and the 'only confirmed viable population' of the variety worldwide, CI says Photograph: Terry Whittaker/Conservation International

Gibbons, which are threatened across the world, are considered the 'most romantic' of primates as they mate for life and serenade their partners with song Photograph: Terry Whittaker/Conservation International

White-cheeked gibbon numbers are thought to have declined by as much as 80% in the last 45 years, according to the IUCN 'red list' of threatened species. They are believed to be 'functionally extinct' in China and while there could be significant numbers in Laos, CI said a lack of research means the situation in the country is unclear Photograph: Terry Whittaker/Conservation International

Habitat loss and hunting for the pet trade and the 'assumed medicinal value of primate body parts' are among the major threats to the creatures in Vietnam Photograph: Terry Whittaker/Conservation International

But CI said plans to build a road through the Pu Mat area to increase patrols on the Vietnam-Laos border pose a 'serious threat' to the future of the rare primates Photograph: Terry Whittaker/Conservation International

'The major issue will be the hunting of these gibbons that were previously protected by the harsh terrain; so gun control will be vital,' said primatologist Luu Tuong Bach, a consultant to CI who led field surveys for the research. 'Without direct protection in Pu Mat national park, it is likely that Vietnam will lose this species in the near future' Photograph: Terry Whittaker/Conservation International