Siamang

Siamangs, the largest and darkest gibbons, are built for life in the treetops.

With four long fingers and a smaller opposable thumb, their hands are actually similar to ours!

Their feet are also unique, with an opposable big toe and webbing between their second and third toes for grasping and balance.

With arms longer than their legs, siamangs are masters of brachiation - swinging through the rainforest using only their arms!

They can cover up to three metres in one swing, and when not swinging, they walk along branches with their arms extended for balance, showcasing their agility and adaptability in the canopy.

Siamang families are tight-knit, often staying within 10 metres of one another and rarely separating by more than 30 metres.

They reinforce these bonds through mutual grooming. Siamang pairs usually mate for life, and their social structure is built around these enduring relationships.

Young siamangs live with their family for five to seven years before venturing out to start their own families.

Their legendary calls, amplified by throat sacs, can travel up to three kilometres!

These powerful vocalisations help them claim and defend large territories of up to 50 acres.

Siamangs face threats from habitat loss due to logging and agriculture. Despite being protected by law, siamang populations are also devasted by illegal pet trade, with adults killed to capture young.

To help siamangs survive, do your best to recycle cans and bottles, and reduce paper use - this will ease the strain on these endangered primates and their habitats.