IUCN Conservation Status –
Least Concern
Extinct In The Wild
Class: Mammals
Order: Primates
Family: Hylobatidae
Our lar gibbons live on the large island in the middle of the main lake. They are very vocal and visitors can often hear their beautiful song!
Lar gibbons are native to southeast Asia and are largely found in tropical forests in Thailand, Malaysia and on the island of Sumatra, Indonesia.
Fruit makes up a large part of this primates’ diet in the wild, and they also eat flowers, insects and leaves.
Interesting facts!
- Gibbons are arboreal and move through the trees by ‘brachiation’ – using their long arms to swing.
- Lar gibbons communicate through songs which can be solo or duets!
- These primates are also referred to as ‘lesser apes’ and do not have a tail like the four great ape species.
Conservation
Sadly lar gibbons are threatened in various ways, including habitat destruction, hunting and capture for the wildlife pet trade.
There are rehabilitation sanctuaries within Thailand for the lar gibbon as well as plans to raise awareness of the species through ecotourism initiatives.