Habitat degradation
Most gibbon species are threatened by extinction, and this is exacerbated by the continuous degradation of their forest habitat that fragments and jeopardises their remaining population.
We recognise that space for farming is important for the livelihoods of local communities. To ensure conservation efforts are not at the expense of communities living nearby conservation areas, together with stakeholder communities we engage in land-use planning. Planning initiatives aim to harmonise conservation efforts with village household needs, for which we promote the production of village development plans fitted with actual and preferred spatial land use. Through this measure we help program use of agriculture and forestry lands and promote protection and restoration of forest habitat key to the survival of gibbons and and many other species.
Loss of cultural environmental tradditions
In many cultures, traditional affinities with the environment are gradually disappearing, partly due to the lack of their documentation and partly because of lack of interest by newer generations.
PRCF Thailand tries to document elderly teachings, folktales, legends, and poetry that relates to interactions of Karen-Thai people and their environment, in particular as these relates to the Lar Gibbon and its habitat. Thereafter, we try to revive the conservation aspects of these by promoting knowledge and understanding throughout the community. For example, there are legendary stories that describe how gibbons are different than other monkeys because they like peace and quiet and do not steal from villagers. Strong taboos against the killing of gibbons state that if a villager kills a gibbon their life will be full of sorrow and there will be silence in seven mountains, seven streams, and seven other animals. Such stories are distributed amongst the community through posters, cards, and calendars.