EXPLORING THE FEEDING PATTERNS OF SIAMANGS: BEHAVIOR AND FOOD PREFERENCES IN ZOO ENVIRONMENTS AND THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO BIOLOGY EDUCATION
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31849/bl.v12i1.25577Keywords:
Siamang, Feed Composition, Feeding Behavior, Feeding Preferences, ZooAbstract
The siamang (Symphalangus syndactylus), an endemic primate of Indonesia, is critically endangered due to hunting and habitat destruction and is now predominantly found in conservation areas. This study aims to analyze the feeding behavior and food preferences of siamangs in the zoo, evaluate the suitability of the ex-situ diet composition compared to their natural diet, and assess its contribution to biology education. The research methods included 480 hours of feeding behaviour observation using scan sampling, descriptive data analysis, and Pearson correlation tests. The results indicate that the siamang's diet in zoos is dominated by fruit (53.88% for males and 56.38% for females), followed by leaves and supplementary foods such as tubers and biscuits. The dietary composition is similar to studies conducted in their natural habitat, although the variety of zoo food is more limited. Adjustments to the feeding menu, such as hanging food at elevated locations and increasing the variety of local fruits, could support the siamangs' natural feeding behaviours. In conclusion, the feeding patterns of siamangs in zoos largely align with their natural behaviour as frugivores, although improvements in feeding methods and dietary variety are needed. The implications of this study emphasize the importance of aligning ex-situ conditions with natural habitats to support animal welfare and conservation programs while also strengthening the role of zoos as centres for education and biodiversity preservation.
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Browning, H., & Veit, W. (2021). Freedom and animal welfare. Animals, 11(4), 1–20. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11041148
Chivers, D. J. (1974). The siamang in Malaya. A field study of a primate in tropical rain forest. Contributions to Primatology, 4(1), 1–335. https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:37291881
Clink, D. J., Dillis, C., Feilen, K. L., Beaudrot, L., & Marshall, A. J. (2017). Dietary diversity, feeding selectivity, and responses to fruit scarcity of two sympatric Bornean primates (Hylobates albibarbis and Presbytis rubicunda rubida). PLoS ONE, 12(3), 1–23. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0173369
Davey, G. (2006). Visitor behavior in zoos: A review. Anthrozoos, 19(2), 143–157. https://doi.org/10.2752/089279306785593838
Dewi, D. P., Iskandar, E., & Perwitasari-Farajallah, D. (2023). The feeding behavior and food preferences of siamang ( Symphalangus syndactylus Raffles, 1821) at Taman Safari Indonesia Bogor. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 1271(1), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/1271/1/012048
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Farida, H., Farajallah, D. P., & Tjitrosoedirdjo, S. S. (2019). Aktivitas Makan Monyet Ekor Panjang (Macaca fascicularis) di Bumi Perkemahan Pramuka, Cibubur, Jakarta. Biota : Jurnal Ilmiah Ilmu-Ilmu Hayati, 15(1), 24–30. https://doi.org/10.24002/biota.v15i1.2642
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Hankinson, E. L., Hill, R. A., Marsh, C. D., Nowak, M. G., Abdullah, A., Pasaribu, N., Supriadi, Nijman, V., Cheyne, S. M., & Korstjens, A. H. (2021). Influences of Forest Structure on the Density and Habitat Preference of Two Sympatric Gibbons (Symphalangus syndactylus and Hylobates lar). International Journal of Primatology, 42(2), 237–261. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10764-021-00199-2
Hanson, K. T., & Riley, E. P. (2018). Beyond Neutrality: the Human–Primate Interface During the Habituation Process. International Journal of Primatology, 39(5), 852–877. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10764-017-0009-3
Harrison, N. J., Hill, R. A., Alexander, C., Marsh, C. D., Nowak, M. G., Abdullah, A., Slater, H. D., & Korstjens, A. H. (2021). Sleeping trees and sleep-related behaviours of the siamang (Symphalangus syndactylus) in a tropical lowland rainforest, Sumatra, Indonesia. Primates, 62(1), 63–75. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10329-020-00849-8
Herdian, A., Hendrayana, Y., & Supartono, T. (2020). Aktivitas Harian Kukang Jawa (Nycticebus Javanicus) Pasca Habituasi di Suaka Margasatwa Gunung Sawal Ciamis. Prosiding Fahutan, 37–44. https://journal.uniku.ac.id/index.php/prosiding-fahutan/article/view/3651/2226
Keeling, L., Tunón, H., Olmos Antillón, G., Berg, C., Jones, M., Stuardo, L., Swanson, J., Wallenbeck, A., Winckler, C., & Blokhuis, H. (2019). Animal Welfare and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 6(1), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2019.00336
Kymäläinen, T., Seisto, A., & Malila, R. (2021). Generation z food waste, diet and consumption habits: A finnish social design study with future consumers. Sustainability (Switzerland), 13(4), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13042124
Lappan, S. (2005). Biparental Care And Male Reproductive Strategies in Siamangs (Symphalangus syndactylus) in Southern Sumatra. New York University.
MacKinnon, J. R., & MacKinnon, K. S. (1980). Niche differentiation in a primate community. In Malayan forest Primates: Ten Years’ Study in Tropical Rain Forest. In Malayan Forest Primates. Plenum Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4757-0878-3_6
Martin, P., & Bateson, P. (1986). Measuring behaviour: An introductory guide. In Measuring behaviour: An introductory guide. Cambridge University Press.
McConkey, K. R. (2018). Seed Dispersal by Primates in Asian Habitats: From Species, to Communities, to Conservation. International Journal of Primatology, 39(3), 466–492. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10764-017-0013-7
Ningsih, M., Roslizawaty, & Hansri Ar Rasyid, U. (2023). Sebaran Siamang (Symphalangus Syndactylus) di Hutan Desa Damaran Baru, Kecamatan Timang Gajah, Kabupaten Bener Meriah. JFP Jurnal Ilmiah Mahasiswa Pertanian, 8(4), 1114–1121. www.jim.unsyiah.ac.id/JFP
Nugroho, C. I. T., & Ihsan, M. (2013). Desain Menara Pakan Sebagai Media Pengayaan (Enrichment) Rehabilitasi Primata Arboreal Studi Kasus Pusat Rehabilitasi Primata Jawa, Bandung. Jurnal Tingkat Sarjana Seni Rupa Dan Desain, 1(1), 1–6. https://media.neliti.com/media/publications/162448-ID-desain-menara-pakan-sebagai-media-pengay.pdf
Nurcahyono, A. (2001). Jelajah Harian, Daerah Jelajah, Pakan dan Makan serta Calling pada Siamang (Hylobates syndactylus). Wildlife Conservation Society-Indonesia Program.
Nurhayati, N., Hidayati, N. A., & Afriyansyah, B. (2018). Kajian Kesejahteraan Sapi Pada Beberapa Peternakan Di Kota Pangkalpinang. EKOTONIA: Jurnal Penelitian Biologi, Botani, Zoologi Dan Mikrobiologi, 2(1), 42–48. https://doi.org/10.33019/ekotonia.v2i1.467
O’Brien, T. G., & Kinnaird, M. F. (1997). Behavior, diet, and movements of the Sulawesi crested black macaque (Macaca nigra). International Journal of Primatology, 18(3), 321–351. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1026330332061
Palombit, Ryne A, Seyfarth, R. M., & Cheney, D. L. (1997). The adaptive value of “friendships” to female baboons: Experimental and observational evidence. Animal Behaviour, 54(3), 599–614. https://doi.org/10.1006/anbe.1996.0457
Palombit, Ryne Arthur. (1992). Pair bonds and monogamy in wild siamang (Hylobates syndactylus) and white-handed gibbon (Hylobates lar) in northern Sumatra. University of California.
Raemaekers, J. (1977). Gibbons and trees: comparative ecology of the siamang and lar gibbons. University of Cambridge.
Rasyid, Roslizawaty, Ningsih, M., Erdiansyah, Farida, A., Arlita, T., & Rosita, I. (2024). The Population of siamang ( Sympalangus syndactylus) in Damaran Baru Forest, Timang Gajah District, Bener Meriah Regency. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 1297(1), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/1297/1/012086
Riptianingsih, F. D., Farajallah, D. P., & Astuti, D. A. (2015). Feeding Behavior of Tonkean Macaques (Macaca tonkeana) in Schmutzer Primates Center and Ragunan Zoo, Jakarta. Makara Journal of Science, 19(2), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.7454/mss.v19i2.4739
Rosyid, A. (2007). Perilaku makan siamang dewasa (Hylobates syndacylus Raffles, 1821) yang hidup di hutan terganggu dan tidak terganggu. Agroland 14, 14(3), 237–240. http://jurnal.faperta.untad.ac.id/index.php/agrolandnasional/article/view/474/437
Sherwen, S. L., & Hemsworth, P. H. (2019). The visitor effect on zoo animals: Implications and opportunities for zoo animal welfare. Animals, 9(6), 1–27. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani9060366
Tiyawati, A. (2015). Kajian Perilaku dan Analisis Kandungan Gizi Pakan Drop in Siamang (Symphalangus syndactylus) di Taman Agro Satwa dan Wisata Bumi Kedaton. Universitas Lampung.
Veissier, I., Miele, M., & Mounier, L. (2021). Animal welfare official inspections: farmers and inspectors shared concerns. Animal, 15(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.animal.2020.100038
Whitten, A. J. (1982). Diet and Feeding Behaviour of Kloss Gibbons on Siberut Island, Indonesia. Folia Primatologica, 37(3–4), 177–208. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1159/000156032
Altmann, J. (1974). Observational study of behavior: sampling methods. Behaviour, 49(3), 227–267. https://doi.org/10.1163/156853974x00534
Asyi, Z., Rahmi, E., & Rasyid, U. H. A. (2022). Studi Perilaku Harian Siamang (Hylobates Syndactylus) Di Taman Hewan Pematangsiantar. Jurnal Ilmiah Mahasiswa Pertanian, 7(4), 1090–1101. https://doi.org/10.17969/jimfp.v7i4.22242
Atmanto, A. D., Dewi, B. S., & Nuning, N. (2014). Peran siamang (Hylobates syndactylus) sebagai pemencar biji di resort Way Kanan Taman Nasional Way Kambas Lampung. Jurnal Sylva Lestari, 2(1), 49–58. https://sylvalestari.fp.unila.ac.id/index.php/JHT/article/view/20
Browning, H., & Veit, W. (2021). Freedom and animal welfare. Animals, 11(4), 1–20. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11041148
Chivers, D. J. (1974). The siamang in Malaya. A field study of a primate in tropical rain forest. Contributions to Primatology, 4(1), 1–335. https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:37291881
Clink, D. J., Dillis, C., Feilen, K. L., Beaudrot, L., & Marshall, A. J. (2017). Dietary diversity, feeding selectivity, and responses to fruit scarcity of two sympatric Bornean primates (Hylobates albibarbis and Presbytis rubicunda rubida). PLoS ONE, 12(3), 1–23. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0173369
Davey, G. (2006). Visitor behavior in zoos: A review. Anthrozoos, 19(2), 143–157. https://doi.org/10.2752/089279306785593838
Dewi, D. P., Iskandar, E., & Perwitasari-Farajallah, D. (2023). The feeding behavior and food preferences of siamang ( Symphalangus syndactylus Raffles, 1821) at Taman Safari Indonesia Bogor. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 1271(1), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/1271/1/012048
Dugatkin, L. A. (2019). Principles of Animal Behavior, 4th Edition. University of Chicago. https://books.google.co.id/books?hl=en&lr=&id=7AfEDwAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PR7&dq=+animal+behaviour+is+influenced
Farida, H., Farajallah, D. P., & Tjitrosoedirdjo, S. S. (2019). Aktivitas Makan Monyet Ekor Panjang (Macaca fascicularis) di Bumi Perkemahan Pramuka, Cibubur, Jakarta. Biota : Jurnal Ilmiah Ilmu-Ilmu Hayati, 15(1), 24–30. https://doi.org/10.24002/biota.v15i1.2642
Gittins, S. P., & Raemaekers, J. J. (1980). Siamang, Lar and Agile Gibbons. Malayan Forest Primates D.J. Chiver (Ed.), 1(1), 63–105. 10.1007/978-1-4757-0878-3_3
Hankinson, E. L., Hill, R. A., Marsh, C. D., Nowak, M. G., Abdullah, A., Pasaribu, N., Supriadi, Nijman, V., Cheyne, S. M., & Korstjens, A. H. (2021). Influences of Forest Structure on the Density and Habitat Preference of Two Sympatric Gibbons (Symphalangus syndactylus and Hylobates lar). International Journal of Primatology, 42(2), 237–261. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10764-021-00199-2
Hanson, K. T., & Riley, E. P. (2018). Beyond Neutrality: the Human–Primate Interface During the Habituation Process. International Journal of Primatology, 39(5), 852–877. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10764-017-0009-3
Harrison, N. J., Hill, R. A., Alexander, C., Marsh, C. D., Nowak, M. G., Abdullah, A., Slater, H. D., & Korstjens, A. H. (2021). Sleeping trees and sleep-related behaviours of the siamang (Symphalangus syndactylus) in a tropical lowland rainforest, Sumatra, Indonesia. Primates, 62(1), 63–75. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10329-020-00849-8
Herdian, A., Hendrayana, Y., & Supartono, T. (2020). Aktivitas Harian Kukang Jawa (Nycticebus Javanicus) Pasca Habituasi di Suaka Margasatwa Gunung Sawal Ciamis. Prosiding Fahutan, 37–44. https://journal.uniku.ac.id/index.php/prosiding-fahutan/article/view/3651/2226
Keeling, L., Tunón, H., Olmos Antillón, G., Berg, C., Jones, M., Stuardo, L., Swanson, J., Wallenbeck, A., Winckler, C., & Blokhuis, H. (2019). Animal Welfare and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 6(1), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2019.00336
Kymäläinen, T., Seisto, A., & Malila, R. (2021). Generation z food waste, diet and consumption habits: A finnish social design study with future consumers. Sustainability (Switzerland), 13(4), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13042124
Lappan, S. (2005). Biparental Care And Male Reproductive Strategies in Siamangs (Symphalangus syndactylus) in Southern Sumatra. New York University.
MacKinnon, J. R., & MacKinnon, K. S. (1980). Niche differentiation in a primate community. In Malayan forest Primates: Ten Years’ Study in Tropical Rain Forest. In Malayan Forest Primates. Plenum Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4757-0878-3_6
Martin, P., & Bateson, P. (1986). Measuring behaviour: An introductory guide. In Measuring behaviour: An introductory guide. Cambridge University Press.
McConkey, K. R. (2018). Seed Dispersal by Primates in Asian Habitats: From Species, to Communities, to Conservation. International Journal of Primatology, 39(3), 466–492. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10764-017-0013-7
Ningsih, M., Roslizawaty, & Hansri Ar Rasyid, U. (2023). Sebaran Siamang (Symphalangus Syndactylus) di Hutan Desa Damaran Baru, Kecamatan Timang Gajah, Kabupaten Bener Meriah. JFP Jurnal Ilmiah Mahasiswa Pertanian, 8(4), 1114–1121. www.jim.unsyiah.ac.id/JFP
Nugroho, C. I. T., & Ihsan, M. (2013). Desain Menara Pakan Sebagai Media Pengayaan (Enrichment) Rehabilitasi Primata Arboreal Studi Kasus Pusat Rehabilitasi Primata Jawa, Bandung. Jurnal Tingkat Sarjana Seni Rupa Dan Desain, 1(1), 1–6. https://media.neliti.com/media/publications/162448-ID-desain-menara-pakan-sebagai-media-pengay.pdf
Nurcahyono, A. (2001). Jelajah Harian, Daerah Jelajah, Pakan dan Makan serta Calling pada Siamang (Hylobates syndactylus). Wildlife Conservation Society-Indonesia Program.
Nurhayati, N., Hidayati, N. A., & Afriyansyah, B. (2018). Kajian Kesejahteraan Sapi Pada Beberapa Peternakan Di Kota Pangkalpinang. EKOTONIA: Jurnal Penelitian Biologi, Botani, Zoologi Dan Mikrobiologi, 2(1), 42–48. https://doi.org/10.33019/ekotonia.v2i1.467
O’Brien, T. G., & Kinnaird, M. F. (1997). Behavior, diet, and movements of the Sulawesi crested black macaque (Macaca nigra). International Journal of Primatology, 18(3), 321–351. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1026330332061
Palombit, Ryne A, Seyfarth, R. M., & Cheney, D. L. (1997). The adaptive value of “friendships” to female baboons: Experimental and observational evidence. Animal Behaviour, 54(3), 599–614. https://doi.org/10.1006/anbe.1996.0457
Palombit, Ryne Arthur. (1992). Pair bonds and monogamy in wild siamang (Hylobates syndactylus) and white-handed gibbon (Hylobates lar) in northern Sumatra. University of California.
Raemaekers, J. (1977). Gibbons and trees: comparative ecology of the siamang and lar gibbons. University of Cambridge.
Rasyid, Roslizawaty, Ningsih, M., Erdiansyah, Farida, A., Arlita, T., & Rosita, I. (2024). The Population of siamang ( Sympalangus syndactylus) in Damaran Baru Forest, Timang Gajah District, Bener Meriah Regency. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 1297(1), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/1297/1/012086
Riptianingsih, F. D., Farajallah, D. P., & Astuti, D. A. (2015). Feeding Behavior of Tonkean Macaques (Macaca tonkeana) in Schmutzer Primates Center and Ragunan Zoo, Jakarta. Makara Journal of Science, 19(2), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.7454/mss.v19i2.4739
Rosyid, A. (2007). Perilaku makan siamang dewasa (Hylobates syndacylus Raffles, 1821) yang hidup di hutan terganggu dan tidak terganggu. Agroland 14, 14(3), 237–240. http://jurnal.faperta.untad.ac.id/index.php/agrolandnasional/article/view/474/437
Sherwen, S. L., & Hemsworth, P. H. (2019). The visitor effect on zoo animals: Implications and opportunities for zoo animal welfare. Animals, 9(6), 1–27. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani9060366
Tiyawati, A. (2015). Kajian Perilaku dan Analisis Kandungan Gizi Pakan Drop in Siamang (Symphalangus syndactylus) di Taman Agro Satwa dan Wisata Bumi Kedaton. Universitas Lampung.
Veissier, I., Miele, M., & Mounier, L. (2021). Animal welfare official inspections: farmers and inspectors shared concerns. Animal, 15(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.animal.2020.100038
Whitten, A. J. (1982). Diet and Feeding Behaviour of Kloss Gibbons on Siberut Island, Indonesia. Folia Primatologica, 37(3–4), 177–208. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1159/000156032
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How to Cite
EXPLORING THE FEEDING PATTERNS OF SIAMANGS: BEHAVIOR AND FOOD PREFERENCES IN ZOO ENVIRONMENTS AND THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO BIOLOGY EDUCATION. (2025). Bio-Lectura : Jurnal Pendidikan Biologi, 12(1), 41-56. https://doi.org/10.31849/bl.v12i1.25577
