The Siamang (Symphalangus syndactylus) is an arboreal gibbon, native to Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand.

The Siamang has long, black, shaggy fur. Its face is hairless, except for a thin moustache. It has very long arms. Syndactylus means ‘united finger’ because the first two digits on each foot are partially joined by a piece of skin. It has a large gular sac, which is a throat pouch. The throat pouch inflates to a large balloon-shape, enabling it to make loud vocal sounds.

It can grow to 90 centimetres (36 inches) tall, which is twice the size of other gibbons, making it the largest of all gibbons.

Siamang

It is arboreal, which means that it lives in trees. It lives in forests in groups of up to 6 individuals. It is a very social primate.

The Siamang eats mainly plants and fruit.

The Siamang can live to around 40 years.

Siamang

Siamang

Siamang

Siamang

Siamang

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM