Ring-tailed Lemur
Lemur catta
Conservation Status
EndangeredMammalia · Primates · Lemuridae
About
The ring-tailed lemur is a medium- to larger-sized strepsirrhine (wet-nosed) primate and the most internationally recognized lemur species, owing to its long, black-and-white, ringed tail. It belongs to Lemuridae, one of five lemur families, and is the only member of the Lemur genus. Like all lemurs, it is endemic to the island of Madagascar, where it is endangered. Known locally in Malagasy as maky or hira, it ranges from gallery forests to spiny scrub in the southern regions of the island. It is omnivorous, as well as the most adapted to living terrestrially of the extant lemurs.
Fun Fact
Ring-tailed lemurs engage in 'stink fights' — males rub their tails across scent glands on their wrists, then wave their odorous tails at rivals to assert dominance without physical contact.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Dry deciduous forests
Diet
Omnivore
Lifespan
16-19 years
Threats
- Poaching
- Genetic Bottleneck
- Illegal Wildlife Trade
- Small Population Size