Habitat

Tropical hill forest; Primary and secondary semi-deciduous and tropical ever green forest

Natural behavior

Diurnal and arboreal using the locomotion of brachiation and can also walk bipedally. Territorial living in home ranges, which they actively defend. Territorial calls can last 10-15 min and can be heard over a distance of 1.5-2kms. Siamang territories overlap with a number of other primate species. It is the only example in the world where 3 non-human apes coexist. Siamangs cannot swim

Description

Largest of the Gibbon species, glossy black shaggy coat, dark hairless face, long fingers and arms which are longer than legs and can span 1.5 meters. Siamangs possess an impressive throat sac, which they use for territorial calling

Distribution

South East Asia; Malay Peninsula and Samatra

Diet

Omnivore; fruits, leaves

Reproduction

Breeding usually occurs between May-July during peak flowering and fruiting.

Social structure

Social; Living in small monogamous family groups of up to 8, usually consisting of a dominant breeding pair and their immature offspring. Grooming is one of the most important social activities that cement social bonds

Threats

Habitat loss due to logging, clearing for palm oil plantations and agriculture, poaching and hunting for the illegal pet trade. Also susceptible to zoonotic disease