The feeding behavior and food preferences of siamang (Symphalangus syndactylus Raffles, 1821) at Taman Safari Indonesia Bogor

Abstract

Siamang (Symphalangus syndactylus Raffles, 1821) is a diurnal primate that belongs to the endangered category, according to the IUCN. Siamangs are classified as arboreal and frugivorous animals that selectively choose food. Siamang’s food preferences tend to be determined by the fruit availability in its habitat. One of the efforts to protect siamangs is ex-situ conservation. Feeding in ex-situ conservation should be adjusted to provide in their natural habitat. This study aims to identify siamang’s feeding behavior and food preferences in one of the ex-situ conservation facilities, namely Taman Safari Indonesia Bogor. The objects of observation consisted of two adult males, one adult female, and one sub-adult female. The methods used were instantaneous sampling, focal animal sampling, and ad-libitum sampling—statistical analysis using One-Way ANOVA and Two-Way ANOVA with Tukey’s test. The frequency and duration of siamang feeding behavior differed significantly between age classes, while no difference was based on sex. Food preferences among individuals are influenced by gender. Males prefer fruits such as apples and salak over vegetables, while females prefer soft-stemmed vegetables, namely water spinach and spinach.