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IUCN status: EndangeredLar Gibbon at a glance
The Lar Gibbon (Hylobates lar) is a mammal in the family Hylobatidae. In Indonesia, observation records come mainly from North Sumatra, Aceh. Diet: mainly ripe fruit (frugivore), plus leaves, flowers and insects; a herbivore. IUCN Red List status: Endangered. It is a legally protected species in Indonesia (Regulation P.106/2018).
| Scientific name | Hylobates lar |
|---|---|
| Indonesian name | Owa Lengan Putih |
| Group | Mammals |
| Family | Hylobatidae |
| Observation records | North Sumatra, Aceh |
| Linked habitats | Tropical Rainforests |
| Taxonomic group | Primates |
| GBIF records | 75 human-observation records, 2016–2026 |
| Data retrieved | 2026-09-23 |
| IUCN status | Endangered · IUCN Red List (via GBIF) · checked 1 October 2026 |
| Legal protection in Indonesia | Protected · Regulation P.106/2018 · annex no. 67 |
| Diet type | Herbivore (plant-eater) — mainly ripe fruit (frugivore), plus leaves, flowers and insects · Animal Diversity Web |
| Reproduction | Giving birth to live young (viviparous) · Animal Diversity Web |
| Observance days | Indonesian Primate Day (30 January) |
| Active | Diurnal (active by day) · EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), MamFuncDat.txt |
In this guide (13)
What is the Lar Gibbon?
Lar Gibbon refers to Hylobates lar, in the genus Hylobates, family Hylobatidae, and order Primates. The scientific name follows the accepted taxon in the GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Common names can vary between places; the scientific name distinguishes this species from relatives.
What is known about the Lar Gibbon?
The lar gibbon is a tailless, long-armed canopy primate; Sumatran records need care near the ranges of other gibbons.
Read that fact alongside the scientific name and species source, not as proof from an unclear photograph. Populations, ages and taxonomic limits can differ; when identification is uncertain, record the broader group.
Evidence: Species account — background reading ↗
Habitat and field observations of the Lar Gibbon
Lar gibbons mainly use the canopy of rainforest and mixed forest. Small fruit including figs is important food, together with young leaves, flowers and some insects.
Evidence: GBIF species treatments — natural-history accounts ↗
How many Indonesian records name the Lar Gibbon?
When checked on 2026-09-23, the GBIF search returned 75 human-observation records from Indonesia under this species name for 2016–2026. That is a count of indexed records, not an estimate of population, abundance or unique individuals. Observation effort can vary by location, and the count may change as records are added or identifications revised.
Evidence: GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
Where were observations reported?
Place labels appearing in the results include North Sumatra, Aceh. They are labels attached to records, not a complete range map or evidence that the species occurs only there. Some labels may be broad or inconsistent. Check the underlying records before using the location information for field decisions.
Evidence: GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
How can you observe the Lar Gibbon?
Watch from a distance, do not feed, and avoid sharing precise locations of vulnerable dens or resting sites. Do not try to catch or touch wild mammals. A well-documented sighting helps others check the identification without turning one encounter into a conservation-status claim.
Explore related animals
To explore this group further, compare Lar Gibbon with Bornean White-bearded Gibbon, Javan Lutung, Thomas’s Langur. These links reflect a shared genus, family, order, class or catalogue group; taxonomic proximity does not imply identical habitat needs or conservation status.
Explore related habitats
These habitat relationships are supported by species sources in this guide. This is not a complete range map.
Scientific classification of the Lar Gibbon
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Primates |
| Family | Hylobatidae |
| Genus | Hylobates |
| Species | Hylobates lar |
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology (for example class Reptilia).
Common questions about the Lar Gibbon
What is the scientific name of the Lar Gibbon?
The scientific name of the Lar Gibbon is Hylobates lar, in the family Hylobatidae and the order Primates. In Indonesian it is called Owa Lengan Putih.
What kind of animal is the Lar Gibbon?
The Lar Gibbon is a mammal in the family Hylobatidae. By diet it is a herbivore (plant-eater): a mainly ripe fruit (frugivore), plus leaves, flowers and insects.
Where does the Lar Gibbon live in Indonesia?
Observation records of the Lar Gibbon summarised in this guide mainly come from North Sumatra, Aceh. That list is not a complete range map.
Source-supported habitats: Tropical Rainforests.
What does the Lar Gibbon eat?
The Lar Gibbon is a mainly ripe fruit (frugivore), plus leaves, flowers and insects. That makes it a herbivore (plant-eater). Source: Animal Diversity Web.
How does the Lar Gibbon reproduce?
The Lar Gibbon reproduces by giving birth to live young (viviparous). Source: Animal Diversity Web.
Is the Lar Gibbon nocturnal?
The cited source records the Lar Gibbon as diurnal (active by day). Source: EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), MamFuncDat.txt.
See also the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia.
What is the scientific classification of the Lar Gibbon?
Scientific classification of the Lar Gibbon: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Mammalia, order Primates, family Hylobatidae, genus Hylobates, species Hylobates lar.
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.
Is the Lar Gibbon endangered?
Yes. On the IUCN Red List, the Lar Gibbon is listed as Endangered: it is considered to face a very high risk of extinction in the wild. Source: IUCN Red List (via GBIF), checked 1 October 2026.
This global category is separate from national legal protection. Is the Lar Gibbon protected in Indonesia?
Is the Lar Gibbon protected in Indonesia?
Yes. The Lar Gibbon (Hylobates lar) is a protected species in Indonesia under Environment and Forestry Ministerial Regulation No. P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 on protected plant and animal species (annex, entry 67).
Article 21(2) of Law No. 5 of 1990, as amended by Law No. 32 of 2024, prohibits anyone from hunting, catching, injuring, killing, storing, owning, keeping, transporting or trading a protected animal, alive or dead, including its body parts, eggs and nests.
If you see this animal being traded, kept or injured, contact the local BKSDA office.
Can the Lar Gibbon be kept as a pet?
No. Because the Lar Gibbon is a protected species, catching, owning, keeping, transporting or trading it without a permit is prohibited by law. Trading without a permit through electronic media is also prohibited.
If you see this animal for sale or being kept, report it to the local BKSDA office.
Sources & references
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon ↗
- GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
- GBIF species treatments — natural-history accounts ↗
- iNaturalist — exact species taxon and community observations ↗
- Species account — background reading ↗
- Peraturan Menteri LHK Nomor P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 tentang Jenis Tumbuhan dan Satwa yang Dilindungi ↗
- Animal Diversity Web ↗
- Animal Diversity Web ↗
- EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), MamFuncDat.txt ↗
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF) ↗
- IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, version 2026-1, via GBIF (CC BY 4.0) ↗
References can change. Check dates and context in the original source. How we use sources and data →
Further reading
Gibbon: facts, threats and conservation ↗ — World Animal Rescue Network. A broader overview that covers this animal.
Related site: PanduanHewan’s founder is also a director of World Animal Rescue Network.
Cite this page
Credit PanduanHewan when referring to this page. Check the original evidence sources before reusing a claim.
PanduanHewan. Lar Gibbon (Hylobates lar). Last substantive update: 1 October 2026. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/hylobates-lar/