Ring-tailed lemur

Scientific name: Lemur catta

IUCN listed as: Endangered

Learn before you visit!

Here are some facts about the species – Discover what they eat, find out about their natural habitat, see what they like to do, and more… Set the reading style to suit you too, everyday speak or something aimed towards children.

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Diet

Ring-tailed lemurs primarily feed on fruits, which make up a significant portion of their diet. They also consume leaves, seeds, flowers, and other plant materials such as bark and sap. Occasionally, they eat insects and small vertebrates. This diverse diet helps them thrive in the varied environments of Madagascar. By eating and dispersing seeds, they play a crucial role in maintaining the health of their ecosystem.

 

Ring-tailed lemurs love to eat fruits the most. They also munch on leaves, seeds, and flowers. Sometimes, they even eat bugs. This mix of foods helps them stay healthy and spread seeds around their forest home.

 

Breeding

The breeding season for ring-tailed lemurs begins in mid-April. Females are receptive for only about 24 hours, making the timing critical. After a gestation period of about 134 to 138 days, females typically give birth to one infant, though twins can occur when food is plentiful. Newborns cling to their mother’s belly initially and later ride on her back. Weaning occurs at around five to six months, and juveniles start to explore and forage independently.

 

Ring-tailed lemurs have babies starting in mid-April. The mum is ready to have babies for only one day. After about four and a half months, she usually has one baby. The baby clings to her at first and then rides on her back until it can eat on its own.

 

Habitat

Ring-tailed lemurs are native to the forests and bushlands of southern and southwestern Madagascar. They are found in dry deciduous forests, spiny forests, and scrub areas. These habitats provide ample food sources and shelter. However, habitat destruction due to deforestation and agriculture is a significant threat to their survival. Conservation efforts focus on protecting and restoring these habitats to ensure the species’ future.

 

Ring-tailed lemurs live in the forests and bushes of Madagascar. They like dry and scrubby areas with lots of trees. These places give them food and shelter. But cutting down trees for farming is a big danger to them.

 

At the zoo

In zoos, ring-tailed lemurs are provided with environments that mimic their natural habitats, complete with climbing structures and areas for foraging. They are fed a diet similar to what they would find in the wild, including fruits, vegetables, and leafy greens. Zoos play a vital role in their conservation by participating in breeding programs and educating the public about the species’ endangered status. These programs help ensure genetic diversity and increase the population of this endangered species.

 

Zoos give ring-tailed lemurs places to climb and find food. They eat fruits, vegetables, and greens just like in the wild. Zoos help protect them by breeding more lemurs and teaching people about their importance.

 

Behaviour

Ring-tailed lemurs are social animals, living in groups called troops that can have up to 30 members. They are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day. Females are dominant and lead the group. They communicate through various vocalisations and scent-marking. Their behaviour includes sunbathing, mutual grooming, and engaging in “stink fights” where males wave their scented tails at each other to assert dominance.

 

Ring-tailed lemurs live in groups called troops with up to 30 members. They are active during the day. Females are the leaders. They talk to each other with sounds and by marking their scent. They love sunbathing and grooming each other.

Fun facts

  • Unique Tail: Their tails have 13 to 14 alternating black and white bands.
  • Social Structure: They live in female-dominant groups called troops.
  • Communication: They have over 20 different vocalisations.
  • Sun Worshippers: They often sunbathe to warm up.
  • Seed Dispersers: They help the environment by spreading seeds.
  • Striped Tails: Their tails have black and white stripes.
  • Girl Power: Females are the leaders of their groups.
  • Talking Lemurs: They make over 20 different sounds.
  • Sun Lovers: They like to sunbathe to get warm.
  • Nature Helpers: They help spread seeds in their forest.

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