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© Sedgwick County Zoo, credit: John Streeter

Black & White Ruffed Lemur

Lemur variegatus variegatus

Physical Characteristics

  • These primates are black with large white areas on the limbs, back and head. the neck has a thick ruff or mane. The muzzle is fox-like. 
  • Size of average adult
    • length: 1.5 - 2 feet (head and body)
    • weight: 7 - 10 pounds
  • Approximate life span is 18 years in captivity.

Diet

  • Wild: mainly fruit, also leaves, flowers, and even soil

Behavior

  • Crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk)
  • Arboreal (tree dwelling)
  • Variety of vocalizations
  • Groups of 2-5 individuals, usually mated pair and offspring
  • Usually mate for life
  • Female builds a nest where she stays with her infants for almost 2 week, may also carry them in her mouth
  • Reproduction
    • sexual maturity: female = 20 months
    • seasonal breeders
    • gestation: 90 - 102 days
    • litter size: over 1/2 births are twins, others are single or triplets
    • at 5 weeks youngsters can climb tops of trees, they are weaned at 4.5 months

Environmental/Global

  • Habitat: forest dwellers
  • Distribution: eastern Madagascar
  • Status: Endangered, CITES Appendix I
    • habitat destruction
    • poaching: meat, fur
    • commercial exportation

Conservation Efforts

  • Protective laws and enforcement
  • Education programs in Madagascar
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