Ring-tailed lemur

Lemur catta toothcomb

Ringtailed lemurs

File:Lemur catta - scent marking 01.ogv

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Ring-Tailed Lemur Calling, Anja Reserve (3953855032)

Ringtailed Lemurs in Berenty

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Lemur catta 003

Ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta) is a large strepsirrhine primate and the most recognized lemur due to its long, black and white ringed tail. It belongs to the family Lemuridae, one of the five families of lemurs, and is the only member of the genus Lemur. Native to Madagascar, the ring-tailed lemur inhabits deciduous forests, dry scrub, montane humid forests, and gallery forests along riverbanks.

Description

The ring-tailed lemur is distinguished by its vividly striped tail, which consists of 13 to 15 alternating black and white bands. It has a body length of 39 to 46 cm (15.3 to 18.1 in) and a tail length of 56 to 63 cm (22 to 24.8 in). Males and females are similar in size and appearance, a trait known as sexual monomorphism. Their fur is dense and silky, primarily grey or rosy brown with a white face, muzzle, and underparts. The species is also known for its blue eyes, a rare trait among lemurs.

Behavior

Ring-tailed lemurs are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day. They are highly social animals, living in groups called troops, which can consist of 6 to 30 individuals, although the average size is about 12 to 15 members. These groups are matriarchal, with a dominant female leading the troop. Ring-tailed lemurs communicate through a variety of vocalizations, body postures, and scent markings.

Diet

The diet of the ring-tailed lemur primarily consists of fruits, leaves, flowers, bark, and sap. During the dry season, they may also consume earth to supplement their diet with minerals. This species is known for its remarkable ability to find water in the dry season by licking the moisture off leaves or digging into the sand.

Reproduction

The breeding season for ring-tailed lemurs occurs once a year, with mating taking place in April. After a gestation period of approximately 135 days, females give birth to one or two offspring. The young lemurs are weaned at about five to six months old and reach sexual maturity at 2.5 to 3 years of age.

Conservation Status

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified the ring-tailed lemur as Endangered. The primary threats to their survival include habitat destruction due to slash-and-burn agriculture, logging, and charcoal production. They are also hunted for food and captured for the illegal pet trade. Conservation efforts are in place, including legal protection within Madagascar and various captive breeding programs worldwide.

In Culture

The ring-tailed lemur is a prominent figure in Malagasy culture, often associated with ancestors and considered a symbol of good luck. It has also gained international fame through its depiction in films and documentaries, contributing to its status as an iconic symbol of Madagascar's unique wildlife.