siamang (Hylobates syndactylus), arboreal ape of the gibbon family (Hylobatidae), found in the
forests of Sumatra and Malaya. The siamang resembles other gibbons but is more robust. The siamang is also distinguished by the webbing between its second and third toes and by a dilatable hairless air sac in its throat. The air sac is used in producing a resonant, booming call. The siamang is about 50–55 centimetres in head and body length. Its shaggy fur is completely black. Like the gibbon, the siamang is diurnal and arboreal and moves by brachiation, progressing from one point to another by swinging from its arms. It feeds mainly on fruit and has been observed to live alone or in small groups. The gestation period is about 230 days; births are typically single. Kloss’ gibbon (H. klossi) is sometimes called a dwarf siamang; both it and the siamang were formerly classified in a separate genus, Symphalangus.
Tropical and montane forests at altitudes ranging from 2,000-7,000 feet (606-2,121 m). Siamangs prefer the middle canopy level, but will travel from tree tops to low bushes while feeding.
30-35 inches (75-88 cm). Siamangs are the largest of the gibbon species. Male and female siamangs are about the same size. 18-35 pounds (8-16 kg).
Siamangs are an endangered species. Overpopulation, logging, agriculture and other human activities are rapidly destroying forest environments required by siamangs and other gibbon species for their survival.
Woodland Park Zoo is dedicated to conserving the siamang. The zoo supported a genetic analysis of captive North American siamangs to determine if there were distinct subspecies within the captive population. This study concluded that there was not sufficient genetic variation among siamangs to support subspecies designation. As a result, North American captive siamangs are managed as one population.
forests of Sumatra and Malaya. The siamang resembles other gibbons but is more robust. The siamang is also distinguished by the webbing between its second and third toes and by a dilatable hairless air sac in its throat. The air sac is used in producing a resonant, booming call. The siamang is about 50–55 centimetres in head and body length. Its shaggy fur is completely black. Like the gibbon, the siamang is diurnal and arboreal and moves by brachiation, progressing from one point to another by swinging from its arms. It feeds mainly on fruit and has been observed to live alone or in small groups. The gestation period is about 230 days; births are typically single. Kloss’ gibbon (H. klossi) is sometimes called a dwarf siamang; both it and the siamang were formerly classified in a separate genus, Symphalangus.
Tropical and montane forests at altitudes ranging from 2,000-7,000 feet (606-2,121 m). Siamangs prefer the middle canopy level, but will travel from tree tops to low bushes while feeding.
30-35 inches (75-88 cm). Siamangs are the largest of the gibbon species. Male and female siamangs are about the same size. 18-35 pounds (8-16 kg).
Siamangs are an endangered species. Overpopulation, logging, agriculture and other human activities are rapidly destroying forest environments required by siamangs and other gibbon species for their survival.
Woodland Park Zoo is dedicated to conserving the siamang. The zoo supported a genetic analysis of captive North American siamangs to determine if there were distinct subspecies within the captive population. This study concluded that there was not sufficient genetic variation among siamangs to support subspecies designation. As a result, North American captive siamangs are managed as one population.
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