Lemurs are found only in Madagascar and the Comoros. They differ from monkeys in their build, which usually resembles that of a marten or a cat. Other distinctive features of lemurs are their moist nose and the scent glands, which are located on various parts of their bodies. The secretions from the scent glands are used for marking territory. They are an important means of communication.
Most large lemur species are critically endangered. Smallholders are clearing and burning down the forests, thereby destroying their habitat. Lemurs are also a popular delicacy in Madagascar and are therefore hunted intensively.
With a weight of over 4 kilograms, red ruffed lemurs are among the largest lemurs. In Masoala, red ruffed lemurs live in groups of up to 32 animals; however, one sometimes comes across smaller family groups of 5 to 6 adults and a few juveniles.
The individual groups of red ruffed lemurs inhabit a territory which they mark with the secretion from their glands. To avoid confrontations with neighbouring groups, they call out loudly through the rainforest, thereby asserting their territorial claims. To amplify their voice, red ruffed lemurs have a vocal sac situated between the trachea and the oesophagus.
Three-quarters of the red ruffed lemur’s diet consists of fruit. They also eat flowers, nectar and leaves.
In the wild, red ruffed lemurs are most active shortly after sunrise and just before sunset. Occasional night-time activity has also been observed.
The female red ruffed lemur builds a nest made of twigs, leaves and moss, where she keeps her young for the first three weeks after birth. The mother carries the young in her mouth. Normally, two to three young are born. However, litters of up to five have also been observed. Female red ruffed lemurs have three pairs of teats: one pair in the chest region and two in the abdominal region.
Taxonomy
Lemuridae, Varecia (2 species)
Habitat
rainforest up to 1,200 metres above sea level
Behaviour and ecology
predominantly diurnal; territorial, arboreal, rarely found on the ground; juveniles remain in the nest for a week after birth; later, the mother carries the juveniles in her mouth to trees near feeding grounds. At the age of 3 to 4 weeks, the juveniles begin to follow their mother.
Social structure
mixed-sex groups of 5 to 30 animals
