Ring-tailed Lemur
Distribution
Southwest of the Island of Madagascar
Diet
Frugivore
Habitat
Dry forests
Latin Name
Lemur Catta
IUCN conservation status
Endemic to the Island of Madagascar, an Intriguing Primate with a Long Ringed Tail
Interesting informations
A Frugivore That Delights in Berries and Drinks Directly from the Dew
Feeding periods stretch from 8:00 to 11:00 in the morning, as well as from 2:00 to 6:00 in the afternoon. Its preferred foods are fruits, flowers, and even tamarind leaves, which make up nearly a quarter of its daily diet. It also enjoys licking tree sap, which it reaches with the help of its canines.
An Undeniable Visual Signal That It Maintains With Its Dental Combs!
When these lemurs move, they raise their long black-and-white ringed tails to make them highly visible, serving as a visual signal to the rest of the group. The tail also acts as a balancing tool during jumps. Their fur is maintained thanks to their modified upper canines, known as 'dental combs,' which function as grooming instruments.
A Strong Cohesion In A Group Dominated By Females
Diurnal and gregarious, ring-tailed lemurs form family groups of 5 to 20 individuals. Females remain in the same clan, while males occupy ‘ejectable seats.’ By dispersing, young males ensure gene mixing and limit inbreeding. There is strong cohesion within the groups, with individuals staying very close to one another.
Fragile To Disturbances Due To Its Insular Situation
Endemic to the island of Madagascar, the ring-tailed lemur, like all lemurs, is particularly vulnerable to human activities that dangerously reduce its natural habitat. Dependent on forests, it sees its access to food resources dwindle with the pace of deforestation and habitat fragmentation.
