Siamang

Distribution:

Sumatra, Malaysia and Thailand.

Habitat:

Rainforests.

Diet:

Leaves, fruit, vegetation, insects, eggs and small vertebrates.

Gestation:

235 days, one young born

Longevity:

25 - 35 years in the wild, 35 - 45 years in captivity.

Predators:

Humans

Conservation Status:

Endangered

General:

The largest of gibbon species, which are sometimes known as the ‘lesser apes’, Siamang gibbons are known for their graceful movement from tree to tree and impressive emotive calls. Siamang gibbons have shaggy black fur, except for a gray area around their chin and mouth.

Their large naked throat sac acts as a resonator for penetratingly loud, deep, and expressive sounds. They sing for about 15 minutes several times a day. These calls are thought to aid bonding of pairs as well as protecting territory, and can be heard from up to 5km away.

They live in small family groups of parents and offspring. The parents mark their territory by singing a duet. Grooming is one of the siamangs' most important social activities. Adults groom usually for 15 minutes a day. It is a show of dominance, with the more dominant individual receiving more grooming than it provides.

Fun fact: Although it doesn't have a tail, the Siamang has an impressive sense of balance, and it is sometimes seen walking along branches on its hind legs, high above the ground, and sometimes it climbs on all fours.

At Hamilton Zoo:

You can find Kasih and Lima in the Rainforest boardwalk, you might even be lucky enough to hear them singing a duet. Itam can be found near the bottom of the zoo past the fishing cats.

Females:
Kasih - 14/4/09

Males:
Itam - 11/9/84
Lima - 15/6/12

Mammals