Siamang

The siamang (or Symphalangus syndactylus) is a species of gibbon living in the rainforests of the Malay Peninsula and Indonesian island of Sumatra. Their body is covered in all-black shaggy fur, which is thinner and grey on their faces. Siamangs have very long arms - their arm span approximately measuring twice their body length, short and sturdy legs and no tail. One of their most prominent features is the throat sac under their chin, which inflates during their distinctive vocalisations. Typically, siamangs are 75cm to 100cm tall and weigh between 10kg and 13kg. Like other lesser apes, this species exhibits little to no sexual dimorphism.

Siamangs are Endangered due to the great decrease in population numbers over the last decades. Deforestation and agricultural land conversion is the main threat to their survival, as their habitat is destroyed to often create palm oil plantations or illegal logging operations. This fragments and isolates populations, making it difficult for them to find mates. They are also under pressure from the illegal pet trade, where poachers will kill mothers to have easier access to their infants to sell them. The siamang is a protected species, and several areas throughout their native range have been designated as conservation zones to safeguard the remaining populations of not only the siamang, but also other gibbons. Some organisations have launched successful rescue and reintroduction programs into safe, monitored areas. International and local efforts are also focused on educating communities, enforcing wildlife protection laws, and promoting sustainable land-use practices to limit deforestation.