MAMMALIA: PRIMATES: LEMURIDAE: Lemur

Lemur catta Linnaeus, 1758

Ring-tailed Lemur

Photos by Dr. R. G. Sprackland

Range: Forests of southern Madagascar.

Diagnosis: A white-faced, black-eyed lemur with short neck and facial hair, and a tail that is strongly banded black and white and much longer than the head-body length. Differs from closely related genera in possessing carpal and brachial (humeral) scent glands.

Description: A predominantly light gray species with soft fur. The face, belly, and much of the tail are white or very pale gray. The eyes have thick black rings that do not meet medially. Tail bands of black and white are approximately equal in width, and extend from anus to tail tip. 

Head-body length reaches 45 cm/18 inches, and the tail may reach 62 cm/25 inches. Body weight is 2-3.5 kg/4.4-7 lbs.

 
Lemur photographed at Denver Zoo, July 2001.

Natural History: Ring-tailed lemurs are largely terrestrial animals that can climb well to search for food or escape predators. Diet includes fruits, soft plats, and the occasional soft invertebrate.

Though generally displayed in nocturnal houses at zoos, lemurs are primarily diurnal, avoiding activity only during the hottest parts of the day. They live in large family groups and dwell in sparse forests where, presumably, they have a clear field of view over a wide area.

Reproduction: Mating takes place in the spring, from April to June, and young are born from August to October. Twins are common, but most births produce one offspring. Young are entirely dependent upon their mother for 14-18 days, after which they may ride on her back and start taking fruits in their diets. Females reach sexual maturity at about 20 months, males at 29-30.

Taxonomy & Relationships: This is the only species in the genus.

Variation:

Additional Comments: Lemurs are in danger in Madagascar due to deforestation for the timber industry. It is listed as both Endangered and as a CITES Appendix I animal. There is no legal commercial trade in lemurs or lemur-based products.

Type Specimen:

Literature: Click on book to order.

Nowak, Ronald. 1991. Walker's Mammals of the World, Fifth Edition. Two volumes. Johns Hopkins University Press. ISBN: 0-8018-3970-X.    

Preston-Mafham, Ken. 1991. Madagascar, a Natural History. Facts on File. ISBN: 0-8160-2403-0.