26 September 2026 · The Guardian
Gibbons Quiet Due to Noise Pollution
Gibbons in Malaysia are singing less because of noise pollution from traffic. This affects their communication and social lives.
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Narration includes the headline and summary.
Adapted from The Guardian, 15 September 2026, and rewritten at three levels by Newslish. Newslish is not affiliated with the source. Read the original.
Key vocabulary
communication noun
The way animals talk or share information.
“Birds use songs for communication with their friends.”
disrupt verb
To cause something to stop or break.
“Traffic can disrupt the flow of people in the city.”
pollution noun
Harmful substances in the environment.
“Air pollution can make it hard to breathe.”
territory noun
An area that an animal defends as its own.
“Lions protect their territory from other lions.”
noise noun
Sounds that can be loud or disturbing.
“The noise from the construction made it hard to concentrate.”
Quick quiz
01Why are gibbons singing less?
02What does 'communication' mean?
03What is one reason gibbons sing?
04What is too loud for the gibbons?
Discussion
The gibbons are singing less because of noise pollution. How do you think this affects their communication? In your answer, use the words 'disrupt' and 'pollution'.