Ring-TailedLemur

About Ring-Tailed Lemurs

Lemurs are thought to be the oldest living representative of the primate order. Though they have been here longer than monkeys or apes, they are still more primitive than other primates. Ring-tailed lemurs are medium-sized primates, weighing 6-8 lbs. and measuring 15-18 in. long, not including their tail. Their fur is gray or rosy brown on their backs with lighter gray or brown hind legs and white stomachs.

Ring-tailed lemurs are named for their distinctive tail, which has a black and white ringed pattern on the fur. These tails are often longer than their bodies, measuring up to 24 inches in length. Lemurs keep their tails raised high when traveling from place to place, which may help groups stay together and keep track of all their members.

Ring-tailed lemurs are social animals who live in groups of 5-25 members. These groups are matriarchal, meaning that the females are dominant. In general, females stay with the group that they were born into, while males tend to wander from group to group. A troop of ring-tailed lemurs needs 15-22 acres of dense forest and up to 57 acres of scrub habitat in order to find enough food.

Because these lemurs are territorial, there is little to no overlap in foraging areas. Ring-tailed lemurs will also sunbathe in groups. In the early morning, lemurs begin the day by sunning themselves. These lemurs sit with their front legs resting on their back legs while reclining slightly. This position exposes their bellies to the sun.

Groups of lemurs are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day, and often very vocal. Researchers have identified at least 15 different vocalizations, including purring and mewing, much like a house cat. Other calls include high-pitched yapping and barks, which are used as alarm calls when danger is near. Ring-tailed lemurs play an important role in keeping small animal populations in check, and they serve as a source of food for fossa.