Habitat:

Madagascar, off the coast of Africa is the native home of the black and white ruffed lemur. They are found along the east coast of the island. Three subspecies have been identified in their range. They make their home in tropical moist lowland and mountainous forests.

Description:

Black-and-white Ruffed Lemur has a black and white coat or ‘pelage’ with white tufted ears, a long black tail measuring 60-65cms and bright yellow eyes. Their body length can measure from 50-55cm and weight between 3.5-4.5kg.

Status:

Critically Endangered

Interesting facts:

• Black and white ruffed lemurs can make 12 different calls and are the second loudest primate after the howler monkey.
• One name used for a group of lemurs is a 'congress' and are one of the biggest primates living in Madagascar.
• Diet: Black-and-white Ruffed Lemurs are herbivores and eat fruit, nectar, seeds and leaves. They obtain nectar by using their snouts and tongues to reach deep inside the flowers. They consume the most fruit of any of the 100 lemur species.
• Black & White Ruffed Lemurs are an important pollinator for flowers as they collect pollen on their muzzle and fur when eating.
• Reproduction: Breeding season typically runs from mid-April to mid-May. They are sexually mature by about 20 months of age.
• Gestation period: 90-102 days giving birth normally to twins. Initially the young are deposited in a nest and start to emerge at about 3 weeks of age and start following their mother. Young become independent by four months old.
• Lifespan: approximately 16-19 years in the wild and up to 27 years in captivity.
• Group Structure: Black and White Ruffed Lemurs live in groups of typically 2-5 but can be found in groups of up to 30 individuals and is female dominant, a trait common in lemurs.
• Native Predators: Fossa, Madagascar Harrier-Hawk, Madagascar Buzzard and the Madagascar Ground Boa.
• Introduced Predators: Indian Civet, Domestic Dogs & Cats.
• Additional Threats; habitat deforestation and illegal pet trade.