The Red-bellied Lemur is a medium-sized primate endemic to Madagascar’s eastern rainforests, from lowland to montane elevations. It is mainly arboreal and largely diurnal, moving through the canopy in search of food.
The species is sexually dichromatic. Males have a reddish-brown to chestnut coat, a scent gland atop the head, and white, teardrop-shaped patches beneath the eyes. Females share the same brown back but have a contrasting white or cream belly, with little or no white around the eyes.
Groups are small, typically five individuals or fewer, usually built around a monogamous pair and their offspring, though group composition can vary. Females are dominant, leading foraging and choosing their own mates. The mother alone nurses and carries the infant for its first two weeks; from approximately the second to the fifth week, care is shared equally by both parents, including carrying, holding, grooming, and huddling.
Diet is largely frugivorous, supplemented by young leaves, flowers, and nectar. Breeding is seasonal, with most births between September and October after a roughly four-month gestation; a single infant is usual, though twins occasionally occur.
Classified as Vulnerable, the species is threatened mainly by deforestation and slash-and-burn agriculture, and occurs in protected areas such as Ranomafana National Park.
• Red-bellied lemur
• Lémur de vientre rojo
Scientific classification:
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Class:Mammalia
Order:Primates
Suborder:Strepsirrhini
Family:Lemuridae
Genus:Eulemur
Species:E. rubriventer
Oasis Wildlife Fuerteventura, La Lajita, Fuerteventura, Islas Canarias
Camera: Canon EOS 77D / 9000D
Lens: TAMRON SP 28-75mm F/2.8 Di A09E
Capture Information:
Focal Length: 47.0 mm
Shutter Speed: 1/80
Aperture: f/2.8
ISO: 100
Photo Taken: April 16, 2023
High resolution
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