Ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta) have gray to rosy brown backs, gray limbs, and dark gray heads and necks. Their tails feature 13 alternating black and white bands. Unlike most other lemurs, ringtails spend 40 percent of their time on the ground. They move quadrupedally along the forest floor.
Known as the “gardeners of the forest,” these primates help to distribute seeds and pollinate plants within their ecosystem.
They inhabit southwestern Madagascar, living in arid areas and forests within territories ranging from 15 to 57 acres (0.06 to 0.2 square kilometers).
They live in groups of 3 to 25 individuals, with females being dominant. Groups are territorial and communicate using various vocalizations and facial expressions.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists the ring-tailed lemur as Endangered (IUCN, 2018), appearing on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Despite their adaptability, ring-tailed lemurs are seriously affected by the ongoing deforestation in Madagascar. Much of this is resulting from increased sapphire mining activity, which requires clearing vast areas of land.
The reduction of forested areas has confined them to isolated patches, something known as “habitat fragmentation”. Being cut off from resources and fellow lemur groups significantly contributes to their status as an endangered species.
• Ring-tailed lemur
• Lémur colianillado, lémur de cola anillada, maki de cola anillada
Scientific classification:
Domain:Eukaryota
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Class:Mammalia
Order:Primates
Suborder:Strepsirrhini
Family:Lemuridae
Genus:Lemur
Species:L. catta
Lemur experience – Oasis Wildlife Fuerteventura
La Lajita, Fuerteventura, Islas Canarias
Photo Taken: April 16, 2023
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