Video Analysis of Siamang (Hylobates Syndactylus) Songs

Abstract

This paper reports a study of the bioacoustics and locomotor behaviours of siamang (Hylobates syndactylus) during calling. Ten call bouts were videotaped and analysed in detail. The results suggest that the calls are complex duets produced sequentially, and that they are interactively organized by means of co-ordinating cues. The relationship between vocal and non-vocal behaviours, and the spacing of the duetting animals, are also organized in a regular fashion. The advantages and importance of videotaping over other methods in the micro-analysis of these calls are stressed. This paper reports a study of the bioacoustics and locomotor behaviours of siamang (Hylobates syndactylus) during calling. Ten call bouts were videotaped and analysed in detail. The results suggest that the calls are complex duets produced sequentially, and that they are interactively organized by means of co-ordinating cues. The relationship between vocal and non-vocal behaviours, and the spacing of the duetting animals, are also organized in a regular fashion. The advantages and importance of videotaping over other methods in the micro-analysis of these calls are stressed.