We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website.
You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. Accept
Siamang Ape
Symphalangus syndactylus
The siamang ape is a species of lesser ape that lives in trees of rainforests. They are known for their extremely loud and boisterous vocalizations, often performed by a male and female pair as a duet.
Range & Habitat
Mountains of the Malay Peninsula and Sumatra (Indonesia), in rainforests and monsoon forests.
Conservation Status: Endangered
Endangered due to hunting, the illegal pet trade and habitat loss.
Diet
In the Wild: Fruit, leaves, flowers, insects, bird eggs and small vertebrates.
At the Zoo: Fruit, vegetables, greens, monkey biscuits and canned primate diet.
Life Span
In the Wild: 25-30 years; In Human Care: 30-40 years.
Fun Facts about the Siamang Ape
- A siamang’s armspan can be as wide at 5 feet. This helps them to swing with ease from tree branch to tree branch.
- Siamang apes use hand over hand swinging (brachiation) as their chief mode of locomotion through the trees. They walk upright on the ground or on branches that are too large for them to grasp.
- Siamang apes communicate vocally using their distinctive throat sacs that can inflate to the size of a grapefruit. Their calls can be heard up to 1.2 miles away.
- Siamangs mate for life, forming strong bonds that will last until one partner passes away; only then will the remaining partner seek out another companion.
Sources
Siamang. (2019, October 02). Retrieved May 26, 2020, from https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/siamang
Siamang. (2020). Retrieved May 26, 2020, from http://cincinnatizoo.org/animals/siamang/
Siamang. (2020). Retrieved May 26, 2020, from https://animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/siamang
Updated June 13, 2023
Location:
Primate Park
Location:
Social Animals
