The Lar gibbon, also known as the White-handed gibbon, is a small species of ape known for its agility, intelligence, and distinctive appearance. Unlike most of the monkeys, gibbons do not have tails, which is one of the main features that distinguishes them. They have a highly developed brain, allowing them to display complex social behavior and communication.
Their fur can range in color from black to pale brown and yellowish-gray, and their black, bare faces are framed with white hair, giving them their recognizable look. Adult Lar gibbons usually weigh around 6 kilograms.
They are found in the tropical rainforests of southern and Southeast Asia, including China, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. They spend most of their lives high in the trees, where they find food, shelter, and safety.
Their diet is varied. In the wild, Lar gibbons eat leaves, buds, blossoms, small insects, snails, and bird eggs. In zoos, they are mainly fed fruits and vegetables to maintain a healthy and balanced diet.
These gibbons are active during about nine hours throughout the day. During this time, they eat, rest, travel, vocalize, and engage in various social activities within their groups. They rarely come down to the ground, as their hooked hands allow them to swing easily from branch to branch. This type of movement, called brachiation, makes them some of the most graceful and skillful climbers among apes.
