One of the 6 lemurs on WAnimals
Mammals · Primates · Lemuridae
Lemur catta
At very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future.
Found only in Madagascar, it is easily recognised by its long black-and-white ringed tail. It lives in groups led by females.
Weight
2 kg – 3.5 kg
Size
95 cm – 1.1 m
Life expectancy
18 years
Diet
Omnivore
Combines animal and plant food depending on availability.
Activity
Diurnal
Active mainly during the day.
Social structure
Family group
Lives in small family groups with close bonds.
Sighting difficulty
Hard
Estimated population
Between 2,000 and 2,400 animals in the wild according to two independent 2016 studies that reviewed 32-34 localities; only eight populations of 100 or more individuals are thought to remain, and local extinctions were documented at at least 12 of the 32 sites examined. Other authors warn that areas remain unsurveyed
Sources consulted: AnAge (genomics.senescence.info); Animal Diversity Web; Abilene Zoo; Smithsonian National Zoo; The Animal Facts; USDA APHIS Species Factsheet; SDZWA Library Fact Sheet; PMC (health correlates longevity study); IUCN Red List (En peligro): se estima un declive de al menos el 50 % en tres generaciones por pérdida de hábitat, caza para carne de monte y comercio ilegal de mascotas || LaFleur et al. 2016, Folia Primatologica; Gould y Sauther 2016, Primate Conservation; IUCN Red List
Best time: April to November
The pins mark the parks where its presence is documented.
Parks and dive sites where this species has been documented.
Other species in the catalogue with the most in common with Ring-tailed Lemur — same habitat, park, country, tags or family.
The ring-tailed lemur is classified as endangered. Organisations such as Lemur Conservation Foundation work specifically on its conservation and that of its habitat; looking into their programmes is a good starting point if you want to get involved.
Visit the Lemur Conservation Foundation websiteIt's documented in 5 protected areas — one reason why protecting these places matters for its conservation.
Based on what we already know about ring-tailed lemur.
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