Lemur

Lemurs are a group of primates known as prosimians, native to the island of Madagascar. They are characterized by their long, thin tails, which they often use for balance and communication. Lemurs are known for their large, reflective eyes and their playful behavior.

Classification

Lemurs belong to the suborder Strepsirrhini within the order Primates. They are further divided into five families, with over 100 species recognized to date. The five families are: Cheirogaleidae, Lepilemuridae, Indriidae, Lemuridae, and Daubentoniidae.

Characteristics

Lemurs range in size from the tiny mouse lemur, which can be as small as 30 grams, to the Indri, which can weigh as much as 9.5 kg. They exhibit a wide range of behaviors, from the solitary Aye-aye that forages alone at night, to the Ring-tailed lemur that lives in large, social groups.

Habitat and Distribution

Lemurs are found exclusively on the island of Madagascar and the nearby Comoros Islands. They inhabit a variety of habitats, from rainforests to dry, spiny forests.

Conservation

Many lemur species are threatened with extinction due to habitat loss and hunting. Conservation efforts are underway to protect these unique primates and their habitats.

See Also

• Primate
• Madagascar
• Conservation

Lemur Resources
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