Fauna
Mammal

Lar Gibbon

Hylobates lar

Also known as White-handed Gibbon, Common Gibbon

Lar gibbons move through the tropical canopy with remarkable speed using brachiation, fluidly swinging from branch to branch on long arms and hook-like hands. Monogamous pairs defend permanent territories through elaborate morning duets that resonate across miles of dense forest. Coat colors range from pale cream to dark brown, though all individuals feature signature white hands, white feet, and a ring of white fur encircling their dark face.

ArborealVocal
Lar Gibbon reference1 / 7
(c) Ladislav Král, 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, Lianas, Insects
Predators
  • Leopards
  • Reticulated Pythons
  • Crested Serpent Eagles
ThreatsDeforestation, forest fragmentation, poaching, illegal pet trade
HabitatsDipterocarp rainforests, tropical evergreen and mixed deciduous forests
Life span25–30 years in the wild
Classification
  1. OrderPrimates
  2. FamilyHylobatidae
  3. GenusHylobates
  4. SpeciesHylobates lar
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
Sharp canine teeth can inflict deep defensive bites if cornered; maintain a respectful distance in the wild.
Why it is dangerous
Strong jaws and long canines deliver severe puncture wounds, and close contact risks zoonotic disease transmission.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Look for distinct white fur on the hands, feet, and face margin paired with high-speed canopy acrobatics.
What to do
Maintain a safe distance of at least 15 meters and never attempt to feed or touch wild primates.
What to notice
Recognize by acrobatic brachiation high in primary rainforest canopy and loud melodious calling.
Support conservation
Avoid using call playback to attract them, as this disrupts territorial defense and pair bonding.
Responsible observation
  • Listen Early: Early morning hours offer the best chance to locate groups by their loud duets.
  • Scan the Upper Canopy: Look high in mature canopy trees where these gibbons spend almost all their time.
  • Do Not Feed: Never offer food to wild gibbons, as human diseases easily transmit to primates.
Related species
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