Siamangs
Habitat and Distribution: Found in tree tops of tropical rain forests and monsoon forests on the island of Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula.Size: 30–35 inches tall; 17–35 pounds
Wild Diet: Leaves, fruit, flowers, bird eggs, and insects
Predators: Humans and leopards
Lifespan: 25–30 years in the wild, 35–40 years in zoos
Reproduction: Siamangs mature between 5–7 years of age. They give birth to a single offspring after a gestation period of about 7 months. Babies are usually born every 2–3 years. Infants cling to their mother’s belly constantly for the first 3–4 months. The father d
oes his share of raising the baby and takes over the daily care of the youngster when it is about one year old. This is unusual for most primates.Behavior: Siamangs pair up for life and are highly territorial, living in family units of a mated pair and up to four offspring. Siamangs are active during the day. They wake at sunrise and set out in search of food with family members for about 8–10 hours before returning to their sleeping place. Unlike the great apes (i.e. chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans), which build sleeping nests or platforms, siamangs sleep sitting upright high in the trees, with arms folded and head between their knees. Vocalization strengthens the bond between a pair and it is how they defend their territory. Pairs sing to one another, and each pair creates a unique song of their own. Siamang calls include booms, barks and hoots.
Conservation
Status: Endangered
This species is at risk due to habitat destruction for logging and agriculture. Currently, less than five percent of their remaining habitat is protected.
This species is at risk due to habitat destruction for logging and agriculture. Currently, less than five percent of their remaining habitat is protected.
Interesting Facts
Males and females are about the same size. Siamangs are the largest of the gibbon species. They have longer arms and broader hands and feet than their relatives. Their arms are longer than their legs, stretching up to five feet in a large adult. None of the gibbon species will cross water or rivers.