Siamang, << SEE uh mang or SYAH mang, >> is the largest of the gibbon apes, also called the lesser apes. An adult male siamang measures about 3 feet (91 centimeters) tall and weighs about 26 pounds (12 kilograms). The female is slightly smaller. Both sexes have black fur, long arms and legs, and inflatable throat pouches. Like other apes, siamangs lack a tail.
Siamangs inhabit tropical rain forests on the Malay Peninsula and the island of Sumatra in Southeast Asia. These primates live almost exclusively in trees. They use their arms to swing from branch to branch and their legs to walk upright atop large branches. Siamangs eat immature leaves and fruit as well as insects. The apes mate for life and are strongly territorial, with both sexes defending an average territory of about 100 acres (40 hectares). Both sexes produce calls and songs. Mated pairs engage in “duets” to define territory and keep family members in contact. Such pairs accompany the duets with arm swinging and other displays to keep outsiders away. Unmated siamangs may use the duet as a courtship ritual. Adult males help carry and groom the young.
Siamangs have become threatened in the wild due to human activities, primarily habitat destruction. People also illegally capture the animals to sell as pets.
