Animal Information

Siamang

Hylobates syndactylus

Siamang

Range

Found throughout the Barisan Mountains of Sumatra and in the mountains of the Malay Peninsula, south of the Perak River (Indonesia).

Habitat

They spend much of their time in the mid-upper canopy of forested areas.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The siamang is the largest of all the lesser apes (and is therefore tail-less) and has a thick black coat of hair and long slender arms. Siamangs have an enlarged throat sac that can be as big as a human head and is used to amplify their vocalizations.

Dietary Classification

Diet in the Zoo: Vegetables and fruits as well as a commercially-produced primate maintenance diet and browse

Diet in the Wild: Leaves, flower petals and fruits as well as some insects, bird eggs and small vertebrates

Life Span

In captivity, they can live around 40 years. In the wild, 25-30 years is more common.

Behavior/Adaptations

A group of siamangs generally consists of a dominant male and female, from three to seven ‘sub-adult’ offspring and infants. Sub-adults generally leave the group at 6-8 years old, with females tending to leave the group earlier.

Siamangs are highly territorial. Males and females will mark their territory by singing a duet. The call usually begins with dull, deep, bell-like tones and ascends into a high yell followed by high-pitched “laughter."

Like many other primates, siamangs avoid open water and do not swim. They can walk upright on the ground if necessary but prefer to travel from tree to tree.

Status

IUCN Red List: Near Threatened
This is due in most part to the rampant destruction of their habitat for palm oil agriculture and logging. Babies are still sold in the pet trade.

Classification

Kingdom Phylum Class Order Family Genus Species
Animalia Chordata Mammalia Primates Hylobatidae Hylobates syndactylus