Fauna
Mammal

Siamang

Symphalangus syndactylus

Also known as Siamang Gibbon

Monogamous pairs begin each morning with a booming, synchronized duet amplified by an inflatable throat sac that swells to the size of their head. These extraordinary acrobats propel themselves through the upper rainforest canopy using powerful arms with a span exceeding 1.5 meters, swinging smoothly beneath limbs via rapid brachiation. Tight-knit family groups spend over half their waking hours foraging together, focusing heavily on tender young leaves and wild figs.

ArborealVocal
Siamang reference
(c) Maksym Kozlenko, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
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EndangeredConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXEndangeredRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyFigs, Young leaves, Rainforest insects
Predators
  • Sunda clouded leopard
  • Tiger
  • Reticulated python
ThreatsDeforestation for agriculture and palm oil, habitat fragmentation, illegal pet trade
HabitatsTropical lowland and montane rainforests
Life span25–30 years in the wild, up to 40 years in captivity
Classification
  1. FamilyHylobatidae
  2. SpeciesSymphalangus syndactylus
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Possesses sharp canines and great physical strength; observe quietly from a safe distance in the wild.
Why it is dangerous
Large adult primates carry substantial biting force and sharp canines that can deliver severe lacerations if cornered or panicked.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Easily identified by uniform glossy black fur, long arms, and a prominent hairless gray-pink throat sac.
What to do
Never attempt to touch or feed wild individuals; give them ample space and do not block their arboreal escape routes.
What to notice
Look for dense, shaggy black coats without white facial rings, distinguishing them immediately from smaller gibbon species.
Support conservation
Avoid using playback calls that disrupt their territorial integrity, and keep tourist groups small and quiet in protected reserves.
Responsible observation
  • Listen at Dawn: Locate groups by tuning in to their loud, resonant morning calls that carry for over two kilometers.
  • Scan Emergent Trees: Look high in the canopy rather than lower down, as they rarely descend near the forest floor.
  • Maintain Quiet: Move softly along trails to avoid alarming resting pairs and triggering retreat calls.
Related species
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