Animals
Class: Mammal
Biome:
Conservation Status: Endangered
About this animal
“Hylobates” means “dweller in the trees” and the siamang certainly lives up to that description. The siamang gibbon is the largest of the 14 species of gibbon, weighing up to 14kg. A special throat sac enhances the siamang’s call, helping to make it the loudest of the gibbons. Their call may be heard for up to two miles away across the forest canopy. The siamangs are native to Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula and their homerange overlaps with both lar and agile gibbons. Siamangs can share territory with other gibbons because they are largely leaf eaters and do not compete for much of the forest fruits. They are very acrobatic and agile. Their extra-long arms help them cover up to 10 feet (3 meters) in a single swing. If they’re not swinging through the trees, they’re very likely walking along branches with their arms outstretched to help them keep their balance.
Did you know?
The Siamang gibbons mate for life and both parents play a role in rearing their offspring.
