At a glance
- IUCN category
- EN · Endangered
- Animal group
- Mammals
- Population trend
- Decreasing
- Last verified
Conservation overview
The lar (white-handed) gibbon is a small, agile ape that swings rapidly through the forest canopy. It is assessed as Endangered.
It is known for loud morning songs and lifelong pair bonds.
Range & habitat
Forests of Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Malaysia, and Sumatra.
Major threats
Threats below are drawn from the authoritative sources listed on this page. For the current, complete assessment, see the IUCN Red List.
- Deforestation
- Capture for the pet trade
- Hunting
Why it matters
A fast-moving canopy ape that disperses seeds, the lar gibbon is a flagship for Southeast Asian rainforest conservation.
Sources
Sources for Lar Gibbon
- IUCN Red List — look up Lar Gibbon (authoritative status)
- Animal Diversity Web
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the lar gibbon move through the forest?
It travels by brachiation — swinging hand-over-hand beneath branches — with great speed and agility, rarely coming to the ground.
Why is the lar gibbon Endangered?
Published assessments cite deforestation, capture for the pet trade, and hunting. See the IUCN Red List for the current assessment.
Last updated: