Ring Tailed Lemur

Ring Tailed Lemur
🖊️Animals Facts
Ring-Tailed Lemur (Lemur catta) Long Description
The ring-tailed lemur is a charismatic primate species endemic to the island of Madagascar. It is easily recognizable by its long, bushy tail adorned with alternating black and white rings, which can be as long as its body. Adults measure around 39 to 46 cm (15-18 inches) in body length, with tails that extend 56 to 62 cm (22-24 inches). They weigh between 2.2 to 3.5 kilograms (4.8-7.7 pounds). The lemur fur is soft and gray to reddish-brown on its back, with a pale white or cream underbelly. Its face is white, accented by dark, triangular eye patches and large, amber eyes.
Ring-tailed lemurs are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day. They are unique among lemurs for spending significant time on the ground, although they are also adept climbers. These lemurs live in social groups called troops, which typically consist of 5 to 30 individuals. Female dominance is a defining trait of their society, with females taking precedence over males in food and mate selection. Communication is a mix of vocalizations, body language, and scent marking. Their tails are often held upright like flags during group travel, aiding visibility in dense vegetation.
Their diet is omnivorous, primarily consisting of fruits, leaves, flowers, and occasionally insects or small animals. They play a vital ecological role as seed dispersers, supporting forest regeneration. In the wild, they inhabit a variety of environments, including dry forests, spiny forests, and scrubland.
In the wild, ring-tailed lemurs live approximately 16-20 years, facing threats from predators, habitat loss, and resource competition.
Under managed care, where they are free from predation and have consistent access to food and veterinary care, they can live up to 25-30 years.