Quick answer
IUCN status: EndangeredSiamang at a glance
The siamang (Symphalangus syndactylus) is a mammal in the family Hylobatidae. Range in Indonesia: Sumatra. Diet: fruit and young leaves; a herbivore. IUCN Red List status: Endangered. It is a legally protected species in Indonesia (Regulation P.106/2018).
| Scientific name | Symphalangus syndactylus |
|---|---|
| Group | Mammals |
| Family | Hylobatidae |
| Range in Indonesia | Sumatra |
| Linked habitats | Tropical Rainforests |
| Feature | Inflatable throat sac |
| Activity | Primarily daytime |
| Diet | Fruit and young leaves |
| IUCN status | Endangered · Smithsonian’s National Zoo — Siamang |
| Legal protection in Indonesia | Protected · Regulation P.106/2018 · annex no. 70 |
| Body size | About 10 kg; 74–89 cm tall · Smithsonian's National Zoo — Siamang |
| Arm length | Arm length can reach 2.5 times body length · Smithsonian's National Zoo — Siamang |
| Diet type | Herbivore (plant-eater) — leaf and fruit eater (folivore-frugivore) · 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 (11)
A powerful voice in the canopy
A siamang’s throat sac inflates during calling and helps produce characteristic sounds. Pair and group calls relate to social relationships and territory. Hearing a loud call does not mean the animal is asking for help; context, timing, and behavioural pattern matter.
Evidence: Smithsonian’s National Zoo — Siamang ↗
A family with shared care
Siamang groups often contain an adult pair and offspring, but composition varies. Wisconsin’s research synthesis describes increased male carrying after early maternal dependence, with substantial differences among individuals and groups. A frequently observed pattern is not a care schedule shared identically by every family.
Evidence: Wisconsin National Primate Research Center — Siamang ↗
Feeding while moving through trees
Siamangs eat fruit and young leaves, with leaves particularly important compared with many other gibbons. Their arms support travel and feeding positions. Food sources and canopy structure must be available together; a collection of trees without food diversity may not provide suitable habitat.
Evidence: Smithsonian’s National Zoo — Siamang ↗
Distinguishing range from research findings
Siamangs live in Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula. A study at one location can explain particular patterns, but home-range size and food composition may differ. Averages from a zoo or a single group should not automatically be applied to every wild siamang.
Evidence: Wisconsin National Primate Research Center — Siamang ↗
Protecting life above ground
Wisconsin’s synthesis documents forest loss and infant trade as threats; its conservation section explicitly dates its last update to 2008. It explains threat mechanisms, not today’s population size. PanduanHewan recommends supporting habitat protection and prevention of capture, and avoiding visitor activities offering handling or feeding.
Evidence: Wisconsin National Primate Research Center — Siamang ↗
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 Siamang
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Primates |
| Family | Hylobatidae |
| Genus | Symphalangus |
| Species | Symphalangus syndactylus |
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology (for example class Reptilia).
Common questions about the siamang
What is the scientific name of the siamang?
The scientific name of the siamang is Symphalangus syndactylus, in the family Hylobatidae.
What kind of animal is the siamang?
The siamang is a mammal in the family Hylobatidae. By diet it is a herbivore (plant-eater): a leaf and fruit eater (folivore-frugivore).
Where does the siamang live in Indonesia?
In Indonesia, this guide records the siamang in: Sumatra.
Source-supported habitats: Tropical Rainforests.
What does the siamang eat?
Diet of the siamang: fruit and young leaves. That makes it a herbivore (plant-eater). Source: Animal Diversity Web.
How does the siamang reproduce?
The siamang reproduces by giving birth to live young (viviparous). Source: Animal Diversity Web.
Is the siamang nocturnal?
The cited source records the siamang 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 are the main features of the siamang?
Key features of the siamang, from this guide’s sources: Feature: inflatable throat sac; Body size: About 10 kg; 74–89 cm tall.
How big is the siamang?
Body size: About 10 kg; 74–89 cm tall. Source: Smithsonian's National Zoo — Siamang.
What is the scientific classification of the siamang?
Scientific classification of the siamang: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Mammalia, order Primates, family Hylobatidae, genus Symphalangus, species Symphalangus syndactylus.
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.
Is the siamang endangered?
Yes. The global conservation status of the siamang: Endangered. In the IUCN system, this category means it is considered to face a very high risk of extinction in the wild. Source: Smithsonian’s National Zoo — Siamang.
This global category is separate from national legal protection. Is the siamang protected in Indonesia?
Is the siamang protected in Indonesia?
Yes. The siamang (Symphalangus syndactylus) 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 70).
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 siamang be kept as a pet?
No. Because the siamang 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.
Compare with similar animals
Sources & references
- Smithsonian’s National Zoo — Siamang ↗
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center — Siamang ↗
- 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) ↗
References can change. Check dates and context in the original source. How we use sources and data →
National parks where it is recorded
According to the official national park profiles from the KSDAE directorate. The animal may also live elsewhere.
Further reading
Siamang: facts, threats and conservation ↗ — World Animal Rescue Network.
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. Siamang (Symphalangus syndactylus). Last substantive update: 7 October 2026. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/siamang/