Samson, Salome & Sultana

Siamangs are the largest of the Gibbons, or lesser apes, they are also the noisiest. Gibbons are the most endangered apes.

The Siamang has a thick black fur coat, no tail, and enlarged throat sac that is used as a sound box to amplify its voice.

Siamangs are the largest of 9 species of Gibbons, which are Lesser Apes, but very similar in anatomy to the larger Great Apes. Gibbons are described by the World Wildlife Fund as the most endangered of all the apes. They only come from Southeast Asia. They are fairly small, so are neglected and now endangered by habitat loss and the pet trade. Gibbons are the only apes to prefer walking on 2 legs not all 4's.

All apes like other primates are arm-swingers, or brachiates. They have similar feet on front and back limbs, no front-facial hair and no tails, but have tough pads on their rear ends, on which they sleep in nests, or in gibbons' case, in trees in a fork between branches. Siamangs have webs between their 2nd and 3rd toes. Apes are unique among mammals in that they have 3 colour vision (like birds and some fish). All other mammals have 2 colour vision.

Noise

Siamangs have the loudest call of all gibbons which can be heard from two miles away! They have a large throat sac, almost the size of their head, used to amplify the call. Male and female pairs call in unison along with young. Calling serves to announce territories and develop bonds.

Life Cycle / Social Structure

Social groups consist of a monogamous pair: one male, one female and up to 3 dependent offspring. The gestation period is 7-8 months (230 days). Young are born very small (6 ounces) and usually naked. The long adult hair does not appear until 2-3 years of age. Infant is weaned at one year. When there are older youngsters in the family, the father gives the older ones protection and affection while the mother tends the infant. Siamangs mature at 8 years of age and at that time leave their parents. Their lifespan is between 35-40 years.

Diet

Siamang Gibbons are omnivores (eating plants and meat). They forage for food in the forests during the day, eating fruit (which constitutes about 75% of their diet), leaves, flowers, seeds, tree bark, and tender plant shoots. They also eat insects, spiders, bird eggs, and small birds.