Siamang

Siamang
(Symphalangus syndactylus)

Located

The Siamang is located on the island of Sumatra and on
peninsular Malaysia.


Diet


The Siamang is omnivorous; however, the diet consists
mostly of fresh leaves and fruit. They will also consume
nuts, insects, eggs and small vertebrates.

Habitat

The Siamang can be found in the rainforests, monsoon
forests and mountian forests of Sumatra and peninsular
Malaysia. The Siamang is arboreal - meaning they
spend most of their lives in the trees. They travel across
the trees of the rainforest using a mode of transportation
called brachiation. Brachiation is generally used by
primates when they swing from tree to tree with their
arms only. While one arm is holding on to a branch or
limb, the other arm will be moving toward the next
branch. They can carry objects with their feet during this
maneuver. The Siamang is also very acrobatic and can
leap large distances while moving across the rainforest.


Size and Description

The Siamang ranges from 2.5 - 3 feet in height. The arm
span can be 2 - 2.5 times the size of the body. The
Siamang can weigh between 18 - 27 pounds. The coat of
the Siamang covers most of its body. It is black and
consists of long hairs. The hands and feet are much like
the hands and feet of other primates except that the
second and third toes are webbed together. Having two
or more digits fused together is defined as being
syndactylous. The face resembles that of many other
primates, but can be distinguished by a large gray or
pink throat sac. The throat sac is used for
communication between Siamangs. The sounds may
resemble loud booms or barks, and will be used in
defending a territory and other activities. The throat sac
will inflate while the Siamang makes sounds.


Reproduction

Siamangs generally mate for life with one partner. The
gestation or pregnancy period is between 7 - 8 months.
The female will most often give birth to one offspring.