Animal Profiles
Mammals

Lemur

Lemuriformes

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

Lemurs are Madagascan primates. This account focuses on the ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta), a social species recognized by its strongly banded tail.

Lemur catta (lemur)

Representative species: Lemur catta.

Charles J. Sharp · CC BY-SA

At a glance

Location
Ring-tailed lemurs inhabit southern and southwestern Madagascar, using riverine woodland, dry scrub and other forest habitats. Other lemurs have different distributions.
Diet
Omnivore
Food
Fruit, leaves, flowers and other plant parts dominate meals, with animal food sometimes taken.

Classification

Common name
Lemur
Browse group
Mammals
Scientific name or taxon
Lemuriformes
Source classification
Mammalia

Three things to know

  • Its tail has black and white bands.
  • Females hold dominant positions in troops.
  • Tamarind provides important food.

Habitat and range

Ring-tailed lemurs inhabit southern and southwestern Madagascar, using riverine woodland, dry scrub and other forest habitats. Other lemurs have different distributions.

Appearance and adaptations

Grey-brown body fur contrasts with a pale face and dark eye markings. A long ringed tail is its most conspicuous feature.

Diet and behaviour

Fruit, leaves, flowers and other plant parts dominate meals, with animal food sometimes taken. It lives in social troops with established relationships. Females commonly remain in their birth groups, while males may move between groups.

Sources

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