Brown lemur. Species: Lemur fulvus = Brown lemur
They are found in the south and southwest of the island of Madagascar in dry open spaces and forests. They live from Fort Dauphin in the west and north to Monradov on the west coast. A small population of lemurs is found in the Andringitra Mountains on the southeastern plateau.
These are slender animals, comparable in size to cats. The body length is from 38 to 45 cm, and the black and white striped tail ranges from 55 to 62 cm. On the back, the fur is gray, sometimes pinkish-brown, the limbs are gray, the head and neck are dark gray. The belly and the inside of the paws are white, the muzzle is white with dark triangular spots around the eyes and a black nose. The tail has 13 black and white stripes. The long tail serves ring-tailed lemurs for signals between relatives, as a distributor of odors, and also for maintaining balance when climbing and jumping. The weight of ring-tailed lemurs can reach 3.5 kg, while the weight of the tail can be more than 1.5 kg.
Of all the lemurs, ring-tailed lemurs spend the most time on the ground, an adaptation to a partially arid environment. Ring-tailed lemurs are active at night and lead a very social lifestyle. They are found in groups of 20 to 30 individuals. There is a strict hierarchy within the groups; the leaders are mainly females. They have preferential rights in choosing food and a partner. While females usually remain in the groups they were born into, males move to new groups repeatedly. The family group ranges from 15 to 57 acres. Males have sharp fingertips, with which they scratch the bark of young trees; glands on the paws permeate the bark with a pungent odor, marking the boundaries of the territory. Every day, lemurs walk around their territory in search of food. They show aggression towards strangers. Ring-tailed lemurs willingly sit in the sun and enjoy its warmth, spreading their arms to the sides.
The food consists mainly of fruits; in addition, their menu includes leaves, flowers, herbaceous plants, cacti and occasionally insects.
Ring-tailed lemurs give birth to one baby at a time, and twins are occasionally encountered. The offspring are usually born between August and October, at the beginning of the rainy season. Females reproduce annually, the duration of pregnancy is approximately 222 days, and the weight of the cub at birth is from 80 to 120 g. The newborn grabs onto the mother’s fur and hangs on it. In the first months, females carry their cubs on their stomachs, later on their backs. At the age of 1–2 months, the cub begins to leave the mother's back and makes independent forays, returning to the mother during sleep and feeding. At the age of 5–6 months, the cubs become independent. After five months they wean themselves off milk. The lifespan of ring-tailed lemurs ranges from 34 to 37 years.
Brown lemur
Common Brown Lemur
(Eulemur fulvus)
Lives in western Madagascar north of the river Betsibuka and the eastern part from the Mongoro River basin north to Tsaratanana. Also found on the island of Mayotte. Inhabits mountain and lowland tropical forests.
The total body length is 84-101 cm, of which the tail accounts for 41-51 cm. Body weight is 2-3 kg.
Brown lemurs are predominantly diurnal, although during dry periods they can also be found at night. They spend 95% of their time in trees. They live in permanent groups consisting of 3-12 individuals, and on the island of Mayotte there were groups of 29 lemurs. In such groups there is no special social hierarchy. The occupied territory is 7-20 hectares. During the day, during feeding, the large group is divided into several small ones, which come together at night. They feed on fruits, young leaves and flowers, and sometimes eat various invertebrates.
The breeding season occurs in May-June. Pregnancy lasts about 120 days, after which (in September-October) a single calf is born. Newborn feeding mother's milk for 4-5 months. Reaches sexual maturity at the age of 18 months. The female bears her first offspring at 2 years of age. Life expectancy is up to 30 years.
Sanford's brown lemur
Sanford's Brown Lemur
(Eulemur sanfordi)
Distributed in the extreme northern part of the island of Madagascar on the territory of several forest areas(Montagne d'Ambre, Analamera, Ankarana). Lives in tropical mountain forests at an altitude of about 1400 m above sea level.
The total body length is 88-95 cm, of which the tail accounts for 50-55 cm. Body weight is 1.8-1.9 kg. Males and females are the same color - light or dark brown on the back, the inside of the body is lighter in color. Males have whitish-red pubescence on the ears and a thick beard of the same color, which forms a kind of mane. The nose and the area around the nose and eyes are black, forming a "T" shape on the muzzle.
They live in permanent groups of 15 individuals, usually 3-9 lemurs in an area of 14.4 hectares, which may be the common possession of several groups of lemurs. The leader of the group is the male, and not the female, as in many lemurs.
White-fronted lemur
White-headed Lemur
(Eulemur albifrons)
Distributed in the northeastern part of the island of Madagascar. Lives in rain and deciduous forests at an altitude of about 1670 m above sea level.
The total body length is about 90 cm, of which the tail accounts for 50 cm. Body weight is about 2.3 kg. Females are distinguished from males by a reddish tint of fur; males are recognized by distinct white or cream spots on the head. Life expectancy in the wild is 20-25 years.
It feeds on plant foods - leaves, fruits, shoots, as well as insects. Practically does not leave trees. Active during the daytime. Lemurs live in groups of 4-20 (on average 8 individuals). The lemur's area ranges from 2-10 hectares.
Red-fronted brown lemur
Red-fronted Brown Lemur
(Eulemur rufus)
Distributed in the western part of Madagascar from the Betsibuka River south to the Tsiribihina River.
The total body length is about 80-103 cm, of which the tail accounts for 45-55 cm. Body weight is about 2.3 kg. Males are gray or brownish-gray in color, females have reddish-brown fur, and both have light patches around the eyes. Males have a cap of red wool on the top of their head.
Red-fronted lemurs live in groups of 4-17 adults of both sexes. They are not very territorial and live in very small areas. It feeds mainly on leaves, fruits and flowers. The rut occurs in April-June. Pregnancy lasts 4.5 months. In August-November, the female gives birth to one cub. The lactation period lasts about 5 months.
Collared brown lemur
Collared Brown Lemur
(Eulemur collaris)
Distributed in the southeastern part of the island of Madagascar. It lives in tropical forests at an altitude of about 1875 m above sea level.
The total body length is about 89-95 cm, of which the tail accounts for 50-55 cm. Body weight is 2.25-2.5 kg.
Gray-headed lemur
Gray-headed Lemur
(Eulemur cinereiceps)
Distributed in the southeastern part of the island of Madagascar between the Manampatran and Mananara rivers. It lives at altitudes from 20 to 1500 m above sea level.
Black lemur
Black Lemur
(Eulemur macaco)
Distributed in the north-west of Madagascar, as well as on the islands of Nosy and Nosy Komba. Lives in forests of different types, found on coffee plantations and cashew trees.
The total body length is 90-110 cm, of which the tail accounts for 51-65 cm. Body weight is 1.8-2 kg. Males are completely black, while females have a brownish-gray back. The chest is whitish, the muzzle is black. The ears are pubescent black - in males, white - in females.
Sclater's black lemur
Blue-eyed Black Lemur
(Eulemur flavifrons)
Distributed in the northwestern part of the island of Madagascar in the south of the Sambirano Plain.
The total body length is 90-100 cm, of which the tail accounts for 51-65 cm. Body weight is 1.8-1.9 kg. In life and behavior it resembles black lemurs, but differs from them in the color of their coat: although the males are completely black, the females have a color from reddish-brown to gray. Distinctive feature species are Blue eyes, which distinguishes them from other primates.
They live in groups of 2-15 individuals, with an average of 7-10. Females lead the family and have an advantage in choosing food and mating partners. Lemurs spend a lot of time caring for their fur and grooming, thus expressing loyalty and sympathy to other members of the group. The structure of the teeth of the lower jaw resembles a comb, with the help of which hair care is carried out.
Puberty occurs at the age of 2 years. Mating season is from April to May. Pregnancy lasts 126 days, the only calf is born in August-October. The cub clings to the mother's fur and for the first three weeks is inseparably with her, hanging on her chest. From the age of three weeks, he begins to take his first independent steps and tastes the basic food that his mother or other members of the group feed him. At the age of 5-6 months he becomes completely independent.
Crowned lemur
Crowned Lemur
(Eulemur coronatus)
Lives in dry and wet forests in the far north of Madagascar on the Cap d'Ambre peninsula.
This is a small animal the size of a cat, body length 34 cm, tail 45 cm, weight 2 kg. Males and females have a characteristic marking in the form of a V-shaped spot on the top of the head, resembling a crown. Males are gray or dark brown with a dark tail, gray muzzle and black nose. Females are lighter in color, their fur is grayish, and their chest and belly are almost white.
They live in permanent groups of 5-15 individuals, usually 5-6 lemurs on an area of 14.4 hectares, which may be the common possession of several groups of lemurs. The male is the leader in the group, and not the female, like many lemurs; he has the right to be the first to choose food and a partner. Outside the group, the female leads. During the day, during feeding, the large group is divided into several small ones, which come together at night. They feed on fruits, young leaves, and sometimes insects.
Sexual maturity occurs at the age of 20 months. The mating season occurs at the end of May-June. Pregnancy lasts 125 days. Cubs are born one per year (sometimes twins), in mid-September to early October. The cub clings to the mother's fur and for the first three weeks is inseparably with her, hanging on her chest. From 5 weeks of age, he begins to take his first independent steps and tastes the basic food that his mother or other members of the group feed him. At the age of 5-6 months he becomes independent. Life expectancy in nature is 20 years.
Red-bellied lemur
Red-bellied Lemur
(Eulemur rubriventer)
Lives in the upper and middle tier tropical forest along the east coast of Madagascar.
Body length with head 40 cm, tail 50 cm. Weight 2 kg. The coat color of females and males is dark brown and chestnut in color, and the tail is black. The female has a light-colored chest and a white or cream-colored belly. Males have a darker, reddish-brown underparts. Males have a white eye rim and a secretion gland on the top of the head.
Lemurs eat flowers, fruits and leaves of 67 species of plants. They live in groups of 2-5 individuals, the family consists of an adult male and female, as well as their offspring. In the family, females dominate, choosing food and mates. A family group's territorial holdings are small and often shared with neighboring groups.
The mating season takes place in May-June, pregnancy lasts 120 days, the female gives birth to 1 cub in September-October. He spends the first weeks clinging to the fur on his mother's chest, after two weeks he travels on her back until he is 5 weeks old, then he moves onto his father's back, who nurses him until he reaches the age of 100 days. At 5-6 months they try adult food and show signs of independence. Upon reaching sexual maturity at 2.5-3.5 years, females and males leave the family. Violation of the territory occurs quite rarely, and no particularly aggressive actions were observed; confrontation was expressed by exchanging loud screams, displaying threat postures, and marking territory with scent and urine.
Lemur Mongots
Mongoose Lemur
(Eulemur mongoz)
It lives in the dry forests of northeastern Madagascar, on the islands of Mogeli and Anjoan and in the moist forests of the Comoros Islands.
Body length with head 35 cm, tail 19 cm. Weight 2 kg. The coat color of females and males is different. The female has a gray head with a white beard, the shoulders, limbs and fur on the head are black. Males are darker and have a reddish-brown beard.
They live in groups of 3-4 individuals, the family consists of an adult male and female, as well as their offspring.
Gray hapalemur
Eastern Lesser Bamboo Lemur
(Hapalemur griseus)
There are 6-7 populations of this lemur, all of which are widespread along the east coast of Madagascar. Inhabits forests, especially bamboo thickets.
The total length of the body is about 70 cm. The tail is equal in length to the head and body together. The weight of the female is 892 g, the male is 932 g.
Lemurs spend 72% of the time allotted for feeding on the giant bamboo Cathariostachys madagascariensis - they eat leaves, branches, shoots themselves, 4% of the time they feed on bamboo leaves, 5% on fruits and 3% on everything else. live in small groups(3-6 individuals) in a certain territory, communicate with a short, low grunt. It leads a diurnal lifestyle; in the morning, as soon as it wakes up, it immediately goes to feed; at noon, especially during the hottest time of the day, it rests. In the evening, before going to bed, they also feed. They go to bed between 17:30 and 18:00. Activity decreases during the warm, wet season and increases during the colder season ( dry period It is not entirely appropriate to name it, because at this time in Madagascar there is constant light rain). In cool weather, lemurs often bask in the sun. Due to the fact that it is active during the day, it spends less time resting than lemurs that are active at night.
The mating season is in May-June, pregnancy lasts 137 days, cubs are born in September, although newborns have also been seen in April. The mother carries the smallest ones in her teeth and cares for them for 4 months. Females breed every year, giving birth to one young.
Western gray hapalemur
Western Lesser Bamboo Lemur
(Hapalemur occidentalis)
Found in the rain forests of eastern Madagascar.
These are the smallest of the hapalemurs, weighing less than 900 g. The coat color is gray, with a reddish spot from the neck to the head.
They live in tropical rain forests, where bamboo grows, and eat leaves that have a high cyanide content. Active during the daytime. Females live in groups, the family group consists of a pair and their offspring, 3-6 individuals in total. Females are dominant in the family.
They breed in a certain season, the gestation period is much shorter than that of related lemurs that have the same body mass. Cubs are born weak, at an early stage of development. The mother leaves the cubs in a nest or hollow of a tree, and occasionally moves it.
Alautra gray hapalemur
Lac Alaotra Gentle Lemur
(Hapalemur alaotrensis)
Inhabits bamboo thickets around Lake Alautra, which is located in the western part of Madagascar.
The total body length is about 40 cm, weight - 1.1-1.4 kg.
Golden hapalemur
Golden Bamboo Lemur
(Hapalemur aureus)
Very rare species, the number of which hardly exceeds 200-400 individuals. It is found in Madagascar, where it lives in small populations in the rain forests in the southeast of the island.
The total body length of the golden lemur reaches 80 cm, half of which is the tail. Body weight 1.2-1.6 kg. The fur is soft, of moderate length, the muzzle is short, the head is round, the ears are short and woolly. The face is black, eyebrows, cheeks and chest are golden yellow. The belly, inner thighs and tail are yellow, the back and upper thighs are brown-gray. The male and female are almost the same in color, although the back of females may be darker in color than that of males.
Golden lemurs live in family groups of 2 to 4 animals. The group consists of adult males, adult females and immature individuals. Lemurs communicate with each other using sharp grunts. They lead an arboreal lifestyle. Active in the early morning and evening, as well as at night. They live on areas of about 80 hectares. These are herbivores. They feed mainly on plants from the Poaceae family, as well as giant bamboos endemic to Madagascar - they eat the leaves and shoots of these trees. Golden lemurs eat an average of up to 500 g of bamboo per day.
During the breeding season, golden lemurs live in family groups, which consist of one male and one or two females. This means that the mating system is either monogamous or polygamous. Mating occurs from May to September. Pregnancy lasts 135-150 days. The young are born in October-February. There are 1-2 cubs in a litter. Newborns weigh about 32 g. Weaning occurs at 20 weeks of age.
Broad-nosed lemur
Great Bamboo Lemur
(Prolemur simus)
Inhabits the rain forests of Eastern and Central Madagascar (extinct in many places in historical times).
The total body length is about 80 cm, with a weight of 2.5 kg.
Lemur vari
Black-and-white Ruffed Lemur
(Varecia variegata)
It lives in rain forests in eastern Madagascar at an altitude of up to 1200 m above sea level.
Body length including head 55 cm, tail 60 cm. Weight 3.5-4.5 kg.
Lemurs of this species live in families of 8-16 individuals, usually 2-5. Each group has its own territory, and all group members are aggressive towards trespassers. Females dominate the family and form the backbone of the group. They have the right to primarily choose food and a partner. Members of the group constantly call out to each other, giving signals in case of danger (the latter are about 12 species). Natural enemies- snakes, eagles and other predators. During the rainy season, females gather in large groups, during drought they scatter in search of food. They feed on fruits and leaves, nectar and shoots.
Puberty occurs at the age of 2 years. The mating season takes place in May-July. The duration of pregnancy is 90-102 days. A female gives birth to up to 6 cubs, the usual number being 3 - these are the only primates that give birth to such a large litter. The female has six teats and is capable of nursing an entire litter. Unlike other primates, wari females do not carry their young, but place them in leaf nests while they feed themselves.
Lemurs often groom each other's fur, thereby expressing their affection for group members. For grooming, they do not use their fingers, but a kind of comb made from the lower teeth. Life expectancy in nature is 15-20 years.
Ruffed lemur vary
Red Ruffed Lemur
(Varecia rubra)
It lives in the subtropical forests of the Masoala Peninsula near Maroansetra in northeastern Madagascar. They are found east of the Antainambalana River, which is the natural distribution limit of black-and-white and rufous fluffy lemurs.
Body length including head 55 cm, tail 60 cm. Weight 3.5-4.5 kg. Females a little larger than males, but sexual dimorphism is weakly expressed.
Lemurs live in groups of up to 15 individuals, rarely - about 30, and their lifestyle is diurnal. The basis of nutrition is fruits, but the diet also includes leaves and young shoots. Lemurs live in trees at a height of 10-20 m above the ground.
Mating usually occurs at the end of the dry season (from May to July), pregnancy lasts about 100 days, 2-3 cubs are born, less often - 5-6. Breastfeeding - up to 4 months.
Paolo Torchio is an Italian wildlife photographer. Since 1990 he has lived in Kenya. Paolo recently visited the island of Madagascar to photograph some species of lemurs. Paolo hopes his images will draw attention to the decline in lemur populations due to deforestation and the fact that some species of these wonderful creatures are on the verge of extinction.
Lemuriformes, or lemurs, are an infraorder of primates in the suborder of wet-nosed monkeys. It unites all representatives of the order living in Madagascar. Have five large births: hand-footed, dwarf lemurs, lepilemuridae, megalapidae, lemuridae, indrividae. As of 2008, there were about one hundred species.
(Total 16 photos)
1. Red-brown lemur. (Photo: Paolo Torchio)
2. A brown lemur rests in the trunk of a dead tree. (Photo: Paolo Torchio)
3. Red-brown lemurs in search of food. (Photo: Paolo Torchio)
4. Teases the photographer. (Photo: Paolo Torchio)
5. These lemurs are no less interested in the photographic lens than in food. (Photo: Paolo Torchio)
6. Brown lemurs have beautiful, soulful eyes orange color. (Photo: Paolo Torchio)
7. Sexual dimorphism is often observed in the coloration of lemurs. For example, male brown lemurs have a gray-brown forehead, a reddish crown, and a creamy-gray belly. (Photo: Paolo Torchio)
8. Females have a more reddish-brown color and a gray crown. (Photo: Paolo Torchio)
9. Sifaki - a genus of primates from the Indriidae family. Sifakas are medium-sized monkeys that reach sizes from 45 to 55 cm and weigh from four to six kilograms. The tail of the sifak is as long as the body. The coat is long and silky, its color varies depending on the species. It can range from yellowish-white to black-brown. The round muzzle is always black and without hair. (Photo: Paolo Torchio)
10. Female with cub. (Photo: Paolo Torchio)
11. When moving, babies cling tightly to their mother's fur. When they get older, they crawl onto her back. (Photo: Paolo Torchio)
12. Boy. (Photo: Paolo Torchio)
13. Two individuals bask in the rays of the morning sun. (Photo: Paolo Torchio)
14. White sifaka or Verreaux's sifaka. (Photo: Paolo Torchio)
15. Sifakas are mostly herbivores. Baobab fruits are one of their favorite delicacies. (Photo: Paolo Torchio)
16. Two Cockrel sifakas enjoy the last rays of the sun late in the evening. (Photo: Paolo Torchio)
Lemurs (lat. Lemuridae) are a family of prosimians of the mammalian order of primates endemic to Madagascar.
In ancient Rome, the word "lemur" meant ghost (or spirit). The name lemurs was given to this group of animals because they mainly lead night look life. The size of these animals ranges from a mouse to a small dog, some fossil lemurs were the size of a large dog.
They live in tropical forests, climb well, run and jump on tree branches. They have grasping paws with well-developed strong fingers, with which they cling to branches or irregularities in the bark.
They feed on fruits, berries, leaves, flowers, some also bark, insects, and their larvae.
Most lemurs are active at night or at dusk, sleeping in hollows or nests during the day. They live in groups (4-10 individuals) and even herds (up to 60 individuals), others in pairs and alone. Pregnancy lasts 2-5 months. They give birth to 1-3 cubs.
Place in classification:
Superclass Quadrupeds - Tetrapoda
Class Mammals - Mammalia
Squad Primates
Suborder Wet-nosed monkeys - Strepsirhini
Infrasquad Lemur-like - Lemuriformes
Family Lemurs - Lemuridae)
Classification of lemurs:
Family Lemuridae, lemurs, lemuridae, lat. Lemuridae Gray, 1821
Genus: Hapalemur Geoffroy I., 1851 = Half-maques, gentle lemurs, hapalemurs, half-lemurs
Species: Hapalemur alaotrensis Rumpler, 1975 = Gray bamboo lemur
Species: Hapalemur aureus Meier, Albignac, Peyrieras, Rumpler and Wright, 1987 = Golden bamboo lemur
Species: Hapalemur griseus Link, 1795 = Gray lemur (hapalemur)
Species: Hapalemur meridionalis Warter, Randrianasolo, Dutrillaux & Rumpler, 1987 = Southern rump lemur
Species: Hapalemur occidentalis Rumpler, 1975 = Lesser western bamboo lemur
Species: Hapalemur simus Gray, 1870 = Broad-nosed lemur
Genus: Lemur Linnaeus, 1758 = Poppies, (common) lemurs
Species: Lemur catta Linnaeus, 1758 = Catta, ring-tailed lemur
Genus: Eulemur (=Petterus) Simons & Rumpler, 1988 = Eulemur
Species: Eulemur albifrons (=fulvus) E. Geoffroy, 1796 = Common brown lemur
Species: Eulemur cinereiceps A. Grandidier & Milne-Edwards, 1890 = Gray-headed lemur
Species: Eulemur collaris E. Geoffroy, 1812 = Red-collared lemur
Species: Eulemur coronatus Gray, 1842 = Crowned lemur
Species: Eulemur flavifrons Gray, 1867 =
Species: Eulemur macaco Linnaeus, 1766 = Black lemur, macaco lemur
Species: Eulemur mongoz Linnaeus, 1766 = Mongo, mongoz, mongoose lemur
Species: Eulemur rubriventer Geoffroy I., 1850 = Rufous-bellied lemur, Red-bellied lemur
Species: Eulemur rufifrons Bennett, 1833 =
Species: Eulemur rufus Audebert, 1799 = Red-breasted Lemur
Species: Eulemur sanfordi Archbold, 1932 = Sanford's black lemur
Genus: Varecia Gray, 1863 = (Lemurs) vare
Species: Varecia variegata Kerr, 1792 = (Lemur) vari
Species: Varecia rubra E. Geoffroy, 1812 = Rufous fluffy lemur
Genus Polumaki, gentle lemurs, hapalemurs, half-lemurs(lat. Hapalemur, Geoffroy I., 1851)
The sizes of semi-poppies are medium and large (the largest in the family). Body length is approximately 28-46 cm. The length of the tail is generally equal to the length of the body. The head is rounded.
Meek lemurs have a short muzzle. The low ears are densely covered with hair. The limbs are relatively short, with wide hands and feet. The terminal phalanges of the fingers have large pads. The hair is of medium length, soft. Its color is brownish-gray, reddish-gray, grayish-green or reddish-green on dorsal side and whitish, dirty yellow, gray or yellowish on the ventral. The head is darker.
Females have two pairs of nipples, one located almost on the shoulders, and the other on the belly. On the inside of the wrist gray lemur There is a specific skin gland. All teeth, except the posterior ones, have sharp cutting edges. The diploid number of chromosomes in the gray lemur is 54-58.
Polumaki are inhabitants of forest areas, especially where there are bamboo thickets. Most often they live in family groups, sometimes alone. Nocturnal activity. They feed mainly on bamboo, but readily eat insects, especially orthoptera. Female gray lemurs give birth to one cub in the nest in December-January. Pregnancy is approximately 160 days. Lactation is about 6 months. Half poppies get along well in captivity and are quickly tamed. In captivity they lived up to 12 years.
Gray bamboo lemur(lat. Hapalemur alaotrensis, English. Lac Alaotra bamboo lemur, Rumpler, 1975)
These are the smallest of the bamboo lemurs, weighing less than 900 g. The coat color is gray, with a reddish spot from the neck to the head. Active during the daytime.
Females live in groups, the family group consists of a pair and their offspring, 3-6 individuals in total. Females are dominant in the family. They breed in a certain season, the gestation period is much shorter than that of related lemurs that have the same body mass. Cubs are born weak, at an early stage of development. The mother leaves the cubs in a nest or hollow of a tree, and occasionally moves it.
Golden bamboo lemur(lat. Hapalemur aureus, English. Golden bamboo lemur, Meier, Albignac, Peyrieras, Rumpler and Wright, 1987)
The golden bamboo lemur lives in forests with thickets of giant bamboo and bamboo grass. It feeds on plants of the Gramineae family, the giant bamboo Cephalostachium viguieri - leaves and young shoots, as well as bamboo grass, eating 500 g of bamboo per day.
A daily dose of golden bamboo lemur contains enough cyanide to kill many animals 12 times over.
A very rare species, the number of which hardly exceeds 200-400 individuals. It is found in Madagascar, where it lives in small populations in the rain forests in the southeast of the island. This is the middle of three species of bamboo lemurs, the size of a cat (about 800 mm), the tail length is half the length of the body, and the weight is 1-1.6 kg. The fur is soft, of moderate length, the muzzle is short, the head is round, the ears are short and woolly. The face is black, eyebrows, cheeks and chest are golden yellow. The belly, inner thighs and tail are yellow, the back and upper thighs are brown-gray. The male and female are almost the same in color, although the back of females may be darker in color than that of males.
The golden bamboo lemur is nocturnal and is especially active at dawn and in the evening. Lemurs gather in groups of 2-4 or 6 individuals. The group from Ranomafana Park consisted of an adult pair, a cub and an adult juvenile, occupying an area of 80 hectares.
Gray lemur(lat. Hapalemur griseus, English. Eastern Lesser Bamboo Lemur, Link, 1795)
Gray Hapalemur - Hapalemur griseus alaotrensis - is found in the rain forests of eastern Madagascar. There are related subspecies: Eastern lesser bamboo lemur - Hapalemur griseus griseus; Western lesser bamboo lemur - alemur griseus occidentalis; Bamboo lemur from Alaotra - Hapalemur griseus alaotrensis; Subspecies of Fort Dauphine - Hapalemur griseus meridionalis.
They live in tropical rain forests, where bamboo grows, and eat leaves that have a high cyanide content.
Southern bamomo lemur(lat. Hapalemur meridionalis, English. Southern lesser bamboo lemur, Warter, Randrianasolo, Dutrillaux & Rumpler, 1987)
Found in humid forests in the south of Madagascar in the vicinity of the city of Tôlanaro in the town of Mandena.
The closest relative of the gray lemur, later identified as a separate species.
Lesser western bamboo lemur(lat. Hapalemur occidentalis, English. Western lesser bamboo lemur or Northern Bamboo Lemur or Western Gentle Lemur, Rumpler, 1975)
Gray lemurs of this group are found in the rain forests of eastern Madagascar.
They live in tropical rain forests, where bamboo grows, and eat leaves that have a high cyanide content.
The total length is 55-67 centimeters, more than half of which is occupied by the tail. The average weight is just under 1 kg. Lives in several discontinuous areas in the north and west of Madagascar, including the Ankarana Analamerana to the north, the Sambirano and Ampasindava peninsula to the northwest, and various areas in the west between the Mahavany and Tsiribihina rivers.
Broad-nosed lemur(Latin Hapalemur simus, English greater bamboo lemur (Prolemur simus) or broad-nosed bamboo lemur or broad-nosed gentle lemur, Gray, 1870)
The broad-nosed hapalemur, or large bamboo lemur - Hapalemur simis - is the largest of the bamboo lemurs, one of the rare mammals.
Found in the vicinity of Ranomafana and in national park Andringitra.
Body length 90 cm, weight 2.4 kg. Leads a nocturnal lifestyle. Lives in humid forests, where it feeds mostly bamboo, as well as flowers, leaves and fruits.
Greater bamboo lemurs live in groups of 4-12 individuals. Until 1972, he had not been seen by Western scientists for a hundred years. Until the mid-1980s. Only one population was known in Ranomafana National Park, located in the southeastern part of Madagascar. Since the 1990s several new populations were noted. The number of Hapalemur simis is limited by the bamboo growth boundary.
Genus Maquis or common lemurs(lat. Lemur, Linnaeus, 1758)
Catta, ring-tailed lemur(Latin Lemur catta, English Ring-tailed lemur, Linnaeus, 1758)
Ring-tailed lemur, or ring-tailed lemur, or katta - the most known species from the lemur family. This species belongs to a separate genus, although many experts place it in the genera Eulemur or Hapalemur. The Madagascan name for the ring-tailed lemur is maki.
Ring-tailed lemurs are found in the south and southwest of the island of Madagascar in dry open spaces and forests. They live from Fort Dauphin in the west and north to Monradov on the west coast. A small population of lemurs is found in the Andringitra Mountains on the southeastern plateau.
These are slender animals, comparable in size to cats. The body length is from 38 to 45 cm, and the black and white striped tail ranges from 55 to 62 cm. On the back, the fur is gray, sometimes pinkish-brown, the limbs are gray, the head and neck are dark gray. The belly and the inside of the paws are white, the muzzle is white with dark triangular spots around the eyes and a black nose. The tail has 13 black and white stripes. The long tail serves ring-tailed lemurs for signals between relatives, as a distributor of odors, and also for maintaining balance when climbing and jumping. The weight of ring-tailed lemurs can reach 3.5 kg, while the weight of the tail can be more than 1.5 kg.
Of all the lemurs, ring-tailed lemurs spend the most time on the ground, an adaptation to a partially arid environment. Ring-tailed lemurs are active at night and lead a very social lifestyle. They are found in groups of 20 to 30 individuals. There is a strict hierarchy within the groups; the leaders are mainly females. They have preferential rights in choosing food and a partner. While females usually remain in the groups they were born into, males move to new groups repeatedly. The family group ranges from 15 to 57 acres. Males have sharp fingertips, with which they scratch the bark of young trees; glands on the paws permeate the bark with a pungent odor, marking the boundaries of the territory. Every day, lemurs walk around their territory in search of food. They show aggression towards strangers. Ring-tailed lemurs willingly sit in the sun and enjoy its warmth, spreading their arms to the sides.
Their diet consists mainly of fruits, but also includes leaves, flowers, herbaceous plants, cacti and occasionally insects.
Ring-tailed lemurs give birth to one baby at a time, and twins are occasionally encountered. The offspring are usually born between August and October, at the beginning of the rainy season. Females reproduce annually, the duration of pregnancy is approximately 222 days, and the weight of the cub at birth is from 80 to 120 g. The newborn grabs onto the mother’s fur and hangs on it. In the first months, females carry their cubs on their stomachs, later on their backs. At the age of 1-2 months, the cub begins to leave the mother's back and makes independent forays, returning to the mother during sleep and feeding. At the age of 5-6 months, the cubs become independent. After five months they wean themselves off milk. The lifespan of ring-tailed lemurs ranges from 34 to 37 years.
Compared to other lemurs, the ring-tailed lemur is relatively common. However, his International Union The Nature Conservancy defines it as endangered because its population is declining. Currently, the total number of ring-tailed lemurs is estimated at 10,000–100,000 individuals. The main threats include destruction of living space and hunting, partly for commercial reasons.
The tail is perfect for allowing the ring-tailed lemur to maintain balance while sitting on a thin branch. Playing important role and in balancing jumps. IN social behavior striped tail lemurs are given great importance. When a ring-tailed lemur walks on the ground, it holds its tail vertically for better visibility. With the help of their tail, males carry out so-called “smelly fights”. They lubricate the tail with secretions from the armpits and stick it out towards the opponent. In this way, disputes about ranks in the social hierarchy are resolved and the area is protected against out-groups. Because of its tail, the animal received the English name “Ring-tailed lemur” (Russian ring-tailed lemur).
Genus Eulemurs or common lemurs(lat. Eulemur (=Petterus), Simons & Rumpler, 1988)
Common brown lemur(Latin Eulemur albifrons (=fulvus), English Common brown lemur E. Geoffroy, 1796)
The Madagascar name is Varika. It lives in southeastern Madagascar from the Mananara River near Vangaindrano, south to Fort Dauphine. According to other sources, it inhabits western Madagascar north of the Betsiboka River, as well as the island of Mayotte and the Comoros Islands.
This is a small animal the size of a cat, body and tail length 50 cm, weight 2.6 kg. Males are brownish-gray in color with a dark stripe on the back, a dark tail with a bushy tip, the inside of the body - the chest, belly and thighs - is lighter. Females have reddish-brown fur and a gray muzzle. Both have a distinct beard, which is reddish-brown in females and cream or reddish-brown in males.
Brown lemurs live in permanent groups consisting of 3-12 individuals, and groups of 29 lemurs were also found on the island of Mayotte. They occupy an area of 7-20 hectares. During the day, during feeding, the large group is divided into several small ones, which come together at night. They inhabit wooded areas of mountain plateaus. They feed on fruits, young leaves and flowers.
The lifespan of brown lemurs in nature is 20-25 years. Puberty occurs at the age of 1-2 years. The mating season begins in June-July. Pregnancy 120 days. Cubs are born one per year, in a season from September to November. The cub clings to the mother's fur and for the first three weeks is inseparably with her, hanging on her chest. From the age of three weeks, he begins to take his first independent steps and tastes the basic food that his mother or other members of the group feed him. At the age of 5-6 months he becomes completely independent.
or white-collared lemur(lat. Eulemur cinereiceps or, English. Gray-headed lemur or gray-headed brown lemur, A. Grandidier & Milne-Edwards, 1890)
Before a taxonomic revision in 2008, it was known as the white-collared lemur (Eulemur albocollaris).
Lives in the southeast of Madagascar in a limited area of approximately 700 km2 between the Manampatrana and Mananara rivers.
(lat. Eulemur collaris, English. Collared brown lemur or red-collared brown lemur, E. Geoffroy, 1812)
Red-collared lemurs are predominantly forest creatures leading a daily lifestyle. These animals are excellent climbers and can cross long distances by jumping from tree to tree. The tail, which is not adapted for grasping, is used for balancing.
On land, these animals almost always move on all four limbs. They live in groups of 2 to 15 individuals. The gestation period is 125 days. Throughout the summer or early autumn(shortly before the start of the rainy season) females give birth - usually two cubs. The babies cling tightly to their mother's fur, and when they get older, they crawl onto her back. After about 5 months they stop breastfeeding, and at 18 months they are already adult animals.
Life expectancy is estimated at 18 years, but may be longer in captivity. Red-collared lemurs are almost exclusively herbivorous: they feed on flowers, fruits, leaves, but examples of feeding on insects are known in captivity.
(lat. Eulemur coronatus, eng. Crowned lemur, Gray, 1842)
The crowned lemur lives in dry and wet forests in the far north of Madagascar on the Cap d'Ambray peninsula and in the southwest to Ambilob. It is a small animal the size of a cat, body length 34 cm, tail 45 cm, weight 2 kg. Males and females have a characteristic mark in the form of a V-shaped spot on the top of the head, resembling a crown. Males are gray or dark brown with a dark tail, gray muzzle and black nose. Females are lighter in color, their fur is grayish, and their chest and belly are almost white.
They live in permanent groups of 5-15 individuals, usually 5-6 lemurs on an area of 14.4 hectares, which may be the common possession of several groups of lemurs. The male is the leader in the group, and not the female, like many lemurs; he has the right to be the first to choose food and a partner. Outside the group, the female leads. During the day, during feeding, the large group is divided into several small ones, which come together at night. They feed on fruits, young leaves, and sometimes insects.
Sexual maturity occurs at the age of 20 months. The mating season is at the end of May - June. Pregnancy lasts 125 days. Cubs are born one per year (sometimes twins), in mid-September - early October. The cub clings to the mother's fur and for the first three weeks is inseparably with her, hanging on her chest. From 5 weeks of age, he begins to take his first independent steps and tastes the basic food that his mother or other members of the group feed him. At the age of 5-6 months he becomes independent.
Life expectancy in nature is 20 years.
(lat. Eulemur flavifrons, eng. Blue-eyed black lemur, Gray, 1867)
Sclater's black lemur, or blue-eyed lemur, is a small animal the size of a cat. Found in the south of Sambirano in northeastern Madagascar. Other populations are found south of the Andranomalaza River near Moromandia and south of the Sandrakota River near Befotak. This species of lemur inhabits dry western forests, coffee and citrus plantations, which are interspersed with wooded areas. Body length 41 cm, tail - 55 cm, weight 2.4 kg. In life and behavior it resembles black lemurs, but differs from them in the color of their coat: although the males are completely black, the females have a color from reddish-brown to gray. A distinctive feature of the species is blue eyes, which distinguishes them from other primates.
They live in groups of 2-15 individuals, with an average of 7-10. Females lead the family and have an advantage in choosing food and mating partners. Lemurs spend a lot of time caring for their fur and grooming, thus expressing loyalty and sympathy to other members of the group. The structure of the teeth of the lower jaw resembles a comb, with the help of which hair care is carried out.
Puberty occurs at the age of 2 years. Mating season is from June to July. Pregnancy lasts 126 days, the only calf is born in September-November. The cub clings to the mother's fur and for the first three weeks is inseparably with her, hanging on her chest. From the age of three weeks, he begins to take his first independent steps and tastes the basic food that his mother or other members of the group feed him. At the age of 5-6 months he becomes completely independent.
They feed on ripe fruits, leaves, flowers, and sometimes insects. Life expectancy is 20-25 years.
Black lemur, macaque lemur(lat. Eulemur macaco, eng. Black lemur, Linnaeus, eng. 1766)
The common black lemur is found in the north-west of Madagascar, as well as on the islands of Nosy and Nosy Komba. This is a small animal, the size of a cat, body length 41 cm, tail 55 mm. Weight 2.4 kg. Males are completely black, while females have a brownish-gray back. The chest is whitish, the muzzle is black. The ears are pubescent black - in males, white - in females.
They live in family groups of 7-10 individuals; there have also been groups of 2-15 animals living in the same territory. Females lead the family. At night, several neighboring groups can gather together. They engage in grooming, in this way expressing loyalty and sympathy to other members of the group. The structure of the teeth of the lower jaw resembles a comb, with the help of which hair care is carried out.
Black lemurs live in forests of various types, and are found on coffee plantations and cashew trees. They feed on ripe fruits, leaves, and sometimes insects.
Sexual maturity occurs at 2 years. Life expectancy is 20-25 years. The mating season is in June - July, pregnancy lasts 126 days, cubs (1 per year) are born in September - November. The cub clings to the mother's fur and for the first three weeks is inseparably with her, hanging on her chest. From the age of three weeks, he begins to take his first independent steps and tastes the basic food that his mother or other members of the group feed him. At the age of 5-6 months he becomes completely independent.
Mongo, mongots, mongoose lemur(lat. Eulemur mongoz, eng. Mongoose lemur, Linnaeus, 1766)
The Mongots lemur lives in the dry forests of northeastern Madagascar, on the islands of Mogeli and Anjoan and in the rain forests of the Comoros Islands. This is a small lemur the size of a cat, body length with head 35 cm, tail 19 cm. Weight 2 kg. The coat color of females and males is different. The female has a gray head with a white beard, the shoulders, limbs and fur on the head are black. Males are darker and have a reddish-brown beard.
They feed on flowers, fruits and leaves.
They live in groups of 3-4 individuals, the family consists of an adult male and female, as well as their offspring. In the family, females dominate, choosing food and mates. A family group's territorial holdings are small and often shared with neighboring groups. The female gives birth to 1 cub in mid-October. He spends the first three weeks clinging to the fur on his mother's chest. At 5-6 months they try adult food and show signs of independence. Upon reaching sexual maturity at 2.5-3.5 years, females and males leave the family. Violation of the territory occurs quite rarely, and no particularly aggressive actions were observed; confrontation was expressed by exchanging loud screams, displaying threat postures, and marking territory with scent and urine.
Rufous-bellied lemur, Red-bellied lemur(Latin Eulemur rubriventer, English Red-bellied lemur, Geoffroy I., 1850)
The red-bellied lemur lives in the upper and middle layers of the tropical forest in forests on east coast Madagascar. This is a small lemur the size of a cat, body length with head 40 cm, tail 50 cm. Weight 2 kg. The coat color of females and males is dark brown and chestnut in color, and the tail is black. The female has a light-colored chest and a white or cream-colored belly. Males have a darker, reddish-brown underparts. Males have a white eye rim and a secretion gland on the top of the head.
Lemurs eat flowers, fruits and leaves of 67 species of plants.
They live in groups of 2-5 individuals, the family consists of an adult male and female, as well as their offspring. In the family, females dominate, choosing food and mates. A family group's territorial holdings are small and often shared with neighboring groups. The mating season takes place in May-June, pregnancy lasts 120 days, the female gives birth to 1 cub in September-October. He spends the first weeks clinging to the fur on his mother's chest, after two weeks he travels on her back until he is 5 weeks old, then he moves onto his father's back, who nurses him until he reaches the age of 100 days. At 5-6 months they try adult food and show signs of independence. Upon reaching sexual maturity at 2.5-3.5 years, females and males leave the family. Violation of the territory occurs quite rarely, and no particularly aggressive actions were observed; confrontation was expressed by exchanging loud screams, displaying threat postures, and marking territory with scent and urine.
They often engage in grooming, for which a comb from the teeth of the lower jaw is used. Lifespan 20-25 years.
(Latin Eulemur rufifrons, English red-fronted lemur or red-fronted brown lemur or southern red-fronted brown lemur, Bennett, 1833)
Until 2001, it was considered a subspecies of the common brown lemur. In 2001, the howl was identified as a separate species.
Lives on the western coast of Madagascar between the Tsiribihina River north and south of the Fiheranana River (Isalo Nature Reserve) and in the eastern part of Madagascar between the Mangoro and Onive rivers in the Andringitra mountain range (Kirindy Nature Reserve). Lives in dry forests in the lowlands.
Weight - from 2.2 to 2.3 kg. The head and body are 35 to 48 cm long and the tail is 40 to 55 cm long.
Red-breasted lemur(Latin Eulemur rufus, English red lemur or rufous brown lemur or northern red-fronted lemur, Audebert, 1799)
The Madagascar name is Varika. Found in the west and east of Madagascar, there is a small population in the Berently Nature Reserve (southern Madagascar).
This is a small animal the size of a cat, body length 40 cm, tail 55 cm, weight 2.7 kg. Males are gray or brownish-gray in color, females have reddish-brown fur, and both have light patches around the eyes. Males have a cap of red wool on the top of their head.
They live in permanent groups consisting of 4-18 individuals, usually 7-8 lemurs in a small area of 0.75-1 hectares. The leader of the group is the male, and not the female, as in many lemurs. During the day, during feeding, the large group is divided into several small ones, which come together at night.
Red-breasted lemurs feed on leaves, shoots, bark and flowers of the Tamarindus indica tree. Puberty occurs at the age of 2 years. The mating season begins in June. Pregnancy 120 days. Cubs are born at a rate of one per year, during the season from September to October. The cub clings to the mother's fur and for the first three weeks is inseparably with her, hanging on her chest. From the age of three weeks, he begins to take his first independent steps and tastes the basic food that his mother or other members of the group feed him. At the age of 4-5 months he becomes independent.
Lemurs spend a lot of time caring for their fur and grooming, thus expressing loyalty and sympathy to other members of the group. The structure of the teeth of the lower jaw resembles a comb, with the help of which hair care is carried out.
Sanford's black lemur(lat. Eulemur sanfordi, eng. Sanford's brown lemur, Archbold, 1932)
It lives only in one place in northern Madagascar: south of the Ampasiindawa peninsula to the Mahavavv rivers in the west and Manambato in the east.
This is a small animal the size of a cat, body length 40 cm, tail 50 cm, weight 2.3 kg. Males and females are the same color - light or dark brown on the back, the inside of the body is lighter in color. Males have whitish-red pubescence on the ears and a thick beard of the same color, which forms a kind of mane. The nose and the area around the nose and eyes are black, forming a "T" shape on the muzzle.
They live in permanent groups of 15 individuals, usually 3-9 lemurs in an area of 14.4 hectares, which may be the common possession of several groups of lemurs. The leader of the group is the male, and not the female, as in many lemurs. During the day, during feeding, the large group is divided into several small ones, which come together at night. Lemurs feed on fruits, and sometimes on other parts of plants and invertebrates.
Puberty occurs at the age of 2 years. Mating season is at the end of May. Pregnancy 120 days. Cubs are born one per year, in September-early October. The cub clings to the mother's fur and for the first three weeks is inseparably with her, hanging on her chest. From the age of three weeks, he begins to take his first independent steps and tastes the basic food that his mother or other members of the group feed him. At the age of 5-6 months he becomes independent.
Lemurs spend a lot of time caring for their fur and grooming, thus expressing loyalty and sympathy to other members of the group. The structure of the teeth of the lower jaw resembles a comb, with the help of which hair care is carried out.
Life expectancy in nature is 20-25 years.
Genus Lemurs vari or fluffy lemurs(lat. Varecia, Gray, 1863)
The genus Varecia lemurs, or fluffy lemurs, are represented by one species, within which two subspecies are distinguished: the black-and-white fluffy lemur Varecia variegata variegata and the red fluffy lemur Varecia variegata rubra.
They are similar in size and behavior, but differ in color. The black-and-white lemur has a black tail, a black muzzle with white fur, and a black-and-white spotted coat. The rufous lemur has a black tail, muzzle and paws, a reddish-brown body and white spot between the shoulders.
Lemur Vari or Lemur black and white fluffy(lat. Varecia variegata, English. Black-and-white ruffed lemur Kerr, 1792)
The black-and-white fluffy lemur lives in the rain forests of eastern Madagascar at altitudes of up to 1200 m above sea level. Body length including head 55 cm, tail 60 cm. Weight 30.5-4.5 kg. The coat is colored with spots of black and white, the location of which is different in different populations of the species.
Lemurs of this species live in families of 8-16 individuals, usually 2-5. Each group has its own territory, and all group members are aggressive towards trespassers. Females dominate the family and form the backbone of the group. They have the right to primarily choose food and a partner.
Members of the group constantly call out to each other, giving signals in case of danger (the latter are about 12 species). Natural enemies are snakes (boa constrictor), eagles and other predators. During the rainy season, females gather in large groups, and during drought they scatter in search of food. They feed on fruits and leaves, nectar and shoots.
Rufous ruffed lemur or Rufous fluffy lemur(Lat. Varecia rubra, English. Red ruffed lemur, E. Geoffroy, 1812)
The rufous fluffy lemur lives in the subtropical forests of the Masoala Peninsula near Maroansetra in northeastern Madagascar. They are found east of the Antainambalana River, which is the natural distribution limit of black-and-white and rufous fluffy lemurs. Body length including head 55 cm, tail - 60 cm. Weight 3.5-4.5 kg. The fur is red-brown in color and has a white patch on the back of the neck. The chest, tail, forehead and inner parts of the limbs are black.
Lemurs of this species live in families of 2-16 individuals, usually 2-5. Each group has its own territory, and all group members are aggressive towards trespassers. Females dominate the family and form the backbone of the group. They have the right to primarily choose food and a partner. Members of the group constantly call out to each other, giving signals in case of danger (the latter are about 12 species). Natural enemies are snakes (boa constrictor), eagles and other predators. During the rainy season, females gather in large groups, and during drought they scatter in search of food. They feed on fruits and leaves, nectar and shoots.
Puberty occurs at the age of 2 years. The mating season takes place in May-July. The duration of pregnancy is 90-102 days. A female gives birth to up to 6 cubs, the usual number being 3 - these are the only primates that give birth to such a large litter. The female has six teats and is capable of nursing an entire litter. Unlike other primates, female fluffy lemurs do not carry their young, but place them in leaf nests while they feed.
Lemurs often groom each other's fur, thereby expressing their affection for group members. For grooming, they do not use their fingers, but a kind of comb made from the lower teeth. Life expectancy in nature is 15-20 years.
Based on materials from sites:
Common brown lemur (lat. Eulemur fulvus) is the only one of the six species of brown lemurs in which females and males are almost identical in appearance.
Both are no larger than a domestic cat, dressed in gray-brown coats with thick short fur, redder on the back and grayish on the bottom. Lush whiskers frame their black faces, the main decoration of which is, without a doubt, large bright orange button eyes.
The entire life of brown lemurs is spent in the trees; they go down only in case of emergency and spend no more than two percent of their time on this.
These tree dwellers have binocular vision, move through lush crowns on four legs at a time and balance in a jump with a fluffy tail more than half a meter long.
The forests of Madagascar, rich in vegetation, provide their inhabitants with succulent leaves of almost all year round. But despite all their abundance, many of them are inedible for animals whose stomachs are not adapted to digest the toxins they secrete.
Brown lemurs, which depend too much on plant foods, have learned to cope with this problem. Their body is better adapted than others to high concentrations of toxins coming from food. In addition to leaves, the menu of brown lemurs includes cicadas, spiders, centipedes, as well as bark, resin, earth and even red clay.
Common brown lemurs do not have a constant period of activity, and their behavior is largely determined by external circumstances. For example, during the dry season, lemurs are more active at night, and the same thing happens during the full moon.
Genus: Poppies, or common lemurs, = Lemur Linnaeus, 1758
Species: Lemur fulvus, Geoffroy, 1812 = brown lemur
Brown lemur
(Note: This is an unedited electronic translation from http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Eulemur_fulvus.html)
Geographic range
Eulemur fulvus is found in Madagascar and Comoros. This species includes five subspecies. They are Eulemur fulvus fulvus (common brown lemurs), Eulemur fulvus albifrons (white-fronted lemurs), Eulemur fulvus collaris (collared lemurs), Eulemur fulvus Rufus (red-fronted lemurs) and Eulemur fulvus sanfordi (Sanford's lemurs). They all have their own specifics ranging within a wide range of common ones for the entire species.
Red fronted lemurs (E. F. rufus) are naturally found in the western and eastern parts of Madagascar. There is also a small introduced population in the southern part of Madagascar at the Berenty Private Nature Reserve. The common brown lemur (E. F. fulvis) is found in the northwestern part of Madagascar. White-fronted lemurs (E. F. albifrons) are found throughout much of the northeastern portion of the remaining tropical forests in Madagascar. Collared lemurs (E. F. collaris) are found in southeastern Madagascar, and Sanford lemurs (E. F. sanfordi) have a very limited range in northern Madagascar.
The habitat for E. fulvus varies slightly among each of the included subspecies. Red-fronted lemurs are found in the canopy of deciduous forests in western and eastern Madagascar. Common brown lemurs and collared lemurs live in scattered forest fragments on a high plateau in western Madagascar. White-fronted lemurs are found in tropical forest fragments. Sanford lemurs live in a very limited area of the middle forest.
Physical Description: Weight - 2 to 4 kg (4.4 to 8.8 lb)
Length 40 to 50 cm (15.75 to 19.69 in)
Brown lemurs, like all true lemurs, have binocular vision and long, bushy tails. They have a scent gland located on the wrist, which is used in olfactory communication. This species is sexy two-tone - its males and females have different fur patterns.
All participants in this type of fall fall in a wide range from 2 to 4 kg. It's about the size of a homemade one. Each subspecies has its own unique fur markings.
Red-brown fronted lemurs have average weight about 2.7 kg, and the average body length is 40 cm. The tail is about 55 cm long. Males have gray with grey-brown and reddish crowns. Females are reddish brown. All fronted rufous lemurs have pale patches on their eyes.
Common brown lemurs weigh about 2.6 kg. Their length is 50 cm and their tail length. Both men and women are brown to dark gray with light beards and dark edges.
White-fronted lemurs have a weight of 2.3 kg, a body length of 40 cm, and a tail more than 50 centimeters long. Typically, this subspecies is dark brown with lighter underparts. Males have white or cream colored heads, ears and beards.
Collared lemurs are about 2.6 kg, and the body length is 50 cm, and the tail is 50 cm long, as well. Males are brownish-gray with dark stripes down the back, dark tail and tail tip, and lighter underparts. Females have a reddish-brown coat, and a gray face. Males and females have different beards that are reddish brown in females and cream to reddish brown in males.
Sanford's lemurs weigh about 2.3 kg and have a body length of 40 cm with a tail 50 cm + long. They can be distinguished from other subspecies of their fur. Both sexes are dark brown with a lighter color underneath. The nose, snouts and the area between the eyes are black, and the dark "T" that connects the eye and nose dominates the head. Males have white-reddish ear strands and thick beards, giving them the illusion of a "tattered mane" around their face.
Reproduction: The brown lemur gives birth to offspring no more than once a year.
Mating sometimes occurs in late May (Sanford lemurs only), but usually in June and July (all other subspecies)
Number of offspring 1 (on average). Gestation period 120 days (average)
Baby's weight at birth - 83.30 g (average) (2.93 ounces)
Weaning time - 4 to 6 months
Age of onset of puberty or reproductive maturity (females) - 1 to 2 years
Age of onset of sexual or reproductive maturity (male) - From 1 to 2 years
There is no data on the mating system of these lemurs. However, other species of the genus Eulemur are either monogamous or polygynous. It is likely that E. fulvus is similar. Unlike other members of the genus, females are generally not dominant to males, and therefore the extent to which females exert active mother choice is not known. (Novak, 1999)
Brown lemurs reach sexual maturity between 1 and 2 years. Their mating habits are very seasonal with matings occurring sometimes in late May (Sanford's lemurs only), but usually in June and July (all subspecies). The gestation period for these animals is about 120 days. Children born in autumn, between September and November. Only one child born per year for each mother.
For the first three weeks of their lives, young lemurs hang onto their mother's belly. They change them only the nurse understands. Three weeks later, they shifted and rode on the mother's back. Then they begin to take their first steps. After this they begin a sample of solid food, nibbling regardless of what other members of the group will eat. This is their first sign of independence. Nursing continues, but its importance in the child's diet tapers. The young lemur is nursed after approximately 4 to 6 months - usually in January.
The role of men in parental care has not yet been described in this form.
Average life expectancy (captivity) 35.50 years
One male of this species lived for more than 36 years in captivity. It is likely that, as with other lemurs in the genus, maximum lifespan in the wild ranges between 20 and 25 years.
Behavior
This kind of form multimale-multifemale groups. Depending on the subspecies and population, the size of these groups can vary, including possibly up to 40 individuals. Unlike most other lemurs, brown lemurs do not show signs of noticeable female dominance.
The red-brown fronted lemurs, western and eastern populations of the same subspecies have different social groups and behavior sizes. In the Western population, groups range from 4 to 17 individuals, with an average group size of 9. In the Eastern group, sizes range from 6 to 18 and the average is 8 individuals. Both groups of the population have houses and the day fluctuates.
In the west, houses range from 1.75 to 2.5 acres (.75 to 1 ha) and per day range from 125 to 150 m. Population densities are higher in the west than in the east and can be as high as 10 people/ha . In the east, at home, the range can be up to 100 hectares, and the daily range is 451 to 1471 M. The population density is comparatively much lower, at .25 persons / ha.
Common brown lemurs, white-fronted lemurs and collared lemurs live in social groups of approximately 3 to 12. Group sizes of up to 29 individuals have been observed in common brown lemurs and collared lemurs. Their home range is approximately 17 by 50 acres (7 to 20 ha).
Sanford's lemurs live in groups of up to 15 animals, although the average appears to be 3 to 9 individuals. The home range for this subspecies can be up to 35.5 acres (14.4 ha), with significant overlap with other groups.
The view is arboreal and moves quadrupedally throughout the forest. These lemurs are also capable of jumping and when they do this, they long tails help them maintain their balance.
Courtship is the way for E. fulvus to create and maintain social connections. Their unique courtship method is a result of their 6 lower prone teeth, which form a dental ridge. This instrument is used for the groom's own furs, as well as other members of the group.
Communication is carried out through both olfactory and vocal means. The olfactory connection is extremely important, and this is made possible by the scent glands located at the wrist and throat. This type of communication is used to convey physical condition, place, and individual recognition.
The sounds the brown lemur uses for vocal communication have been described and partially transcribed. The nasal sound used to maintain group cohesion has been characterized as "ohn". A "Cree" or high-pitched sound is used as a territorial call and "Crou" is the calling signal of this lemur.
In addition to these forms of communication, body posture and facial expressions are likely to be important visual cues.
Nutrition
This species is mainly folivorous. It also feeds on flowers, fruits, and bark. The diet of E. fulvus varies slightly between subspecies and populations.
Red-fronted lemurs are chief folivorous (leaf eaters). In addition, they consume pods, stems, flowers, fruits, bark and sap from the kily tree (Tamarindus indices). However, they have a very adaptable diet. These lemurs have the ability to carry them, usually in the diet of herbivorous invertebrate animals and fungi, when the plant matter is very small. Eastern populations are specifically known to include insects, bird eggs, and dirt in their diet. They are known to have higher dietary diversity than Western populations and a unique predominance of fruits.
Common brown lemurs, white-fronted lemurs, and collared lemurs eat fruit mainly, young leaves and flowers. Sanford's lemurs feed mainly on fruits, individual parts of plants and invertebrates.
Primary diet: herbivores (Folivore, Frugivore).
Livestock products: eggs; insects
Plant foods: leaves; wood, bark and stems; fruits; flowers; SAP or other plant liquids. Rarely - mushrooms
Predators for these lemurs are not known, although possibilities include fossas, carnivores, and humans.
Ecosystem Roles
As frugivores, these lemurs are likely to help disperse seeds. As predators of insects and birds' nests, they can affect their respective animal populations. To the extent that these lemurs serve as prey for other species, they may have some impact on predator populations.
Economic importance to humans: Eulemur fulvus does not have any negative effects on humans.
Economic importance to people: Madagascar's protected areas, where many lemurs (as well as many other species of flora and fauna) reside in have become sufficient to attract tourists. Communities in Madagascar benefit greatly from this. They receive fifty percent of the national park entry fees. Locals also take advantage of acting as guides, as well as typical for selling to tourists.
Members of this species sometimes hunted for meat.
Saving status. IUCN Red List: Low risk. US Federal Listing: Endangered. CITES:
Appendix I
The conservation status of brown lemurs is partly due to their limited geographic area. Their main threat is habitat destruction. Habitat destruction is largely a result of Madagascar's population explosion. This species is classified as low risk (vulnerable) because of its presumed large wild population and occurrence in a number of protected areas.
For red-fronted lemurs, western habitats are largely under threat due to arson and land clearing for grazing. In the east, the main dangers are slash-and-burn agriculture and forest cutting for firewood and construction. This subspecies is found in some protected areas of Madagascar and can be found in captivity in 22 zoos around the world, where approximately 100 people are held.
Deforestation is main threat for the survival of the common brown lemur. In addition, they hunted most of their quota. This subspecies is found in protected areas in Madagascar, and may be one of the lowest risk brown lemur subspecies. Common brown lemurs are bred in captivity and there are currently about 140 animals at 40 institutions around the world.
The white-fronted lemurs are under threat from the destruction of Madagascar's eastern rain forests for slash-and-burn agriculture. This animal was also hunted for food during most of its quota. Currently, it does exist in protected areas in Madagascar. White-fronted lemurs do breed in captivity, and there are more than 200 animals in captivity in more than 40 zoos around the world.
Deforestation is the main threat to the survival of collared lemurs. They also hunt for food throughout their range. In addition to this, they are sometimes trapped for the PET trade. Collared lemurs occur naturally in only one of Madagascar's protected areas, however, they have been introduced into the other two. Approximately 40 collared lemurs are currently in captivity in 6 facilities around the world.
Sanford's lemurs are also under threat from deforestation. This subspecies, however, appears to be able to survive in small habitats. Although Sanford's lemurs are found in protected areas, in Madagascar, the level of protection varies between reserves. This is because poaching and bush fires are common events in many of Madagascar's game reserves. There are only two captive breedings of the Sanford group's lemurs.