Lar Gibbon
⚡ Key Facts & Quick Answers (AEO Summary)
- Taxonomic Class: Mammals
- Dietary Niche: Omnivore (Figs, leaves, flowers, shoots, insects)
- Max Speed: 56 km/h (35 mph) swinging
- Adult Weight: 4 - 8 kg (9 - 18 lbs)
- Typical Lifespan: 25 - 30 years
- Primary Habitat: Tropical rainforest canopy, wet evergreen forests
- Native Region: Southeast Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia)
- IUCN Red List: Endangered
📊 Physical & Biological Metrics
🧬 Scientific Taxonomy & Biological Classification
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Primates |
| Family | Hylobatidae |
| Genus | Hylobates |
| Species Binomial | Hylobates lar |
📖 1. Species Overview
The Lar Gibbon, or White-handed Gibbon, is a small, tree-dwelling ape. They are masters of brachiation (swinging from branch to branch using arms), inhabiting the highest levels of the rainforest canopy.
🦿 2. Physical Appearance, Anatomy & Adaptations
Possesses a ring of white fur around its black face, white hands and feet, and extremely long arms relative to its body. They lack a tail.
🗺️ 3. Habitat, Geographic Distribution & Territorial Range
Highly arboreal and monogamous. Mated pairs defend territories by singing loud, complex vocal duets at sunrise.
🥩 4. Diet, Feeding Strategy & Hunting Tactics
Forage in the high canopy, plucking figs and young leaves while suspended from branches.
🐣 5. Reproduction, Lifecycle & Social Hierarchy
Females give birth to a single infant every 3-4 years, which clings to the mother's belly for the first 4 months and matures at 8 years.
🛡️ 6. Conservation Status, Population Threats & Protection
Endangered. Major threats include palm oil logging, habitat fragmentation, and capture for the illegal pet trade.
💡 Fascinating Facts & Trivia
- Gibbons can span distances of up to 15 meters (50 feet) in a single swing, flying through the forest canopy.
- Unlike monkeys, gibbons walk bipedally on branches with their arms raised high for balance.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Direct authoritative answers regarding the biology, feeding habits, and habitat of the Lar Gibbon.
The Lar Gibbon is scientifically classified as Hylobates lar. It belongs to the genus Hylobates within the family Hylobatidae, class Mammalia, and phylum Chordata.
In the wild, Lar Gibbons inhabit Tropical rainforest canopy, wet evergreen forests. Their native geographic range primarily spans Southeast Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia).
The Lar Gibbon is classified as a Omnivore. It feeds primarily on specialized nutrients suited to its ecological niche in Tropical rainforest canopy, wet evergreen forests.
A Lar Gibbon can achieve top speeds of 56 km/h (35 mph) swinging and weighs approximately 4 - 8 kg (9 - 18 lbs). Its expected natural lifespan is 25 - 30 years.
The Lar Gibbon (Hylobates lar) is currently designated as Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Cite this Article
FaunaWiki Zoological Database (2026). "Lar Gibbon (Hylobates lar) Species Profile."
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