Lar Gibbon - Five Sisters Zoo

Lar Gibbons are lesser apes, possessing no tail, but long arms to propel themselves through the trees. They come in a variety of colours depending on geographic location, ranging from a black-brown to almost white. Lar Gibbons are also known as white-handed gibbons, named for the lighter tufts of hair found near their hands and feet. They also possess a lighter ring of hair around their faces that is much more visible on a darker-haired gibbon.

Facts

Diet: Omnivore; fruit, flowers, plants, invertebrates and bird eggs.

Weight: 4.4-7.6kg

Height: 65-70cm

Habitat: Indonesia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand; evergreen forests and some bamboo forest areas in the canopy, the second highest forest layer.

Life Span: 30 years in the wild, up to 50 under human care

Adapted to Survive

  • Specialized ball-and-socket joint in the wrist combined with long arms and strong hands allows for swings in the trees that can move the lar gibbon over 15m with each movement
  • Known to use simple tools to access food and other resources

Threats

  • Habitat loss and deforestation
  • Illegal pet and wildlife trade
  • Hunting

IUCN Conservation Status

Endangered

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