Island's rainforest protection honored by Hainan Expo mascots
The fifth China International Consumer Products Expo commenced on Sunday in Haikou, the capital of Hainan Province in South China. This year's event once again showcases its cherished mascots "Yuanyuan" and "Xiaoxiao," which are inspired by...
TroibNews 
The fifth China International Consumer Products Expo commenced on Sunday in Haikou, the capital of Hainan Province in South China.
This year's event once again showcases its cherished mascots "Yuanyuan" and "Xiaoxiao," which are inspired by the critically endangered Hainan gibbons. These mascots don new "outfits" each year and now represent members of a tropical rainforest conservation research team. Their appearance honors Hainan's ongoing initiatives and achievements in rainforest protection, emphasizing the province's dedication to fostering a greener future.
Endemic to Hainan Island, Hainan gibbons are classified as "critically endangered" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. They have a slow reproduction rate, with a new generation born only every two to three years, making them a crucial indicator species for the health of the rainforest, which encompasses biodiversity, habitat quality, and climate regulation.
Having once teetered on the brink of extinction—with only seven to nine individuals remaining in the late 1970s—the species has shown steady recovery. A comprehensive survey conducted in 2003 identified merely two groups consisting of 13 individuals. Following this, a dedicated monitoring team for Hainan gibbons was established in 2005.
Years of dedicated conservation efforts and monitoring have yielded impressive results. As of 2024, data indicates that the population of Hainan gibbons has increased to 42 individuals spread across seven family groups. If protection continues and no significant disturbances occur, the population is expected to double, potentially reaching 60 to 70 individuals by 2035.
James del Carmen for TROIB News
This year's event once again showcases its cherished mascots "Yuanyuan" and "Xiaoxiao," which are inspired by the critically endangered Hainan gibbons. These mascots don new "outfits" each year and now represent members of a tropical rainforest conservation research team. Their appearance honors Hainan's ongoing initiatives and achievements in rainforest protection, emphasizing the province's dedication to fostering a greener future.
Endemic to Hainan Island, Hainan gibbons are classified as "critically endangered" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. They have a slow reproduction rate, with a new generation born only every two to three years, making them a crucial indicator species for the health of the rainforest, which encompasses biodiversity, habitat quality, and climate regulation.
Having once teetered on the brink of extinction—with only seven to nine individuals remaining in the late 1970s—the species has shown steady recovery. A comprehensive survey conducted in 2003 identified merely two groups consisting of 13 individuals. Following this, a dedicated monitoring team for Hainan gibbons was established in 2005.
Years of dedicated conservation efforts and monitoring have yielded impressive results. As of 2024, data indicates that the population of Hainan gibbons has increased to 42 individuals spread across seven family groups. If protection continues and no significant disturbances occur, the population is expected to double, potentially reaching 60 to 70 individuals by 2035.
James del Carmen for TROIB News
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