Ruffed lemur

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iRuffed lemurs
Black-and-white Ruffed Lemur (Varecia variegata)
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia Order: Primates Suborder: Strepsirrhini Family: Lemuridae Genus: Varecia Gray, 1863
Type Species
Lemur varius É. Geoffroy ( = Lemur macaco variegatus Kerr, 1792)
Species
Varecia variegata Varcia rubra

The ruffed lemurs are two of the lemur species originating in the tropical forest of the island of Madagascar. They are closely related and classified in the genus Varecia.^[1]

The two species formerly were lumped together as a single species. More modern classifications split them into the two species as shown here, with the Black-and-white Ruffed Lemur now being split into three subspecies.

Contents 1 Habitat 2 Physical characteristics 3 Diet 4 Social structure and reproduction 5 Taxonomy 6 External links 7 References

[edit] Habitat

Like all lemurs, these are only found in the wild on the African island of Madagascar. These lemurs live in the upper canopy of trees in the tropical forests located on the Masoala Peninsula.^[2] Both species are threatened in their natural habitat because of deforestation and hunting. Scientists estimate there are between 1,000 and 10,000 living in the wild.

[edit] Physical characteristics

The Red Ruffed Lemur is recognizable by its fur pattern that is mostly dark red and black with some white. The Black-and-white Ruffed Lemur is similar in appearance but is mostly black and has more white. The fur arranges in a large tuft on the sides of the face and behind the ears in a ruffed manner. The facial hair is normally black and short and the animal possesses a pronounced muzzle. Their size reaches 60 cm, plus a long tail of about the same length, and their weight varies from 6 to 10 kg. They have long and lanky arms and legs which they use to brachiate among the branches.

[edit] Diet

They are frugivorous, and primarily eat figs.^[3] They also consume leaves, nectar, and seeds at times and are fed a similar diet while in captivity.

[edit] Social structure and reproduction

These lemurs live in female dominated groups. Usually a group consists of up to ten or twelve individuals, it is usually a family group consisting of two mating parents and their offspring. The lemurs will groom one another with a set of teeth on the bottom of their mouth called a tooth-comb. They will also groom themselves with a claw on their feet. The ruffed lemurs have a quite recognizable, powerful cry which can rise to a howling which is propagated through the group to announce danger.

The parents of a group form a pair bond to raise their young. The lemur breeding season occurs during the end of the dry season, from May through July, so that any offspring will be born in the wet season when food is more plentiful.^[4] Interestingly, the females are typically in estrous for three days, and fertile for only a single day during this time.^[5] The gestation period lasts from 135 to 145 days and the young are born with open eyes and covered in fur. A typical litter is three, which differentiates them from other lemurs, but at times there can be as many as six newborns. The young cannot fend for themselves, but unlike other lemurs the mother does not keep the children with her. Instead, she builds a nest in which she leaves the young while she forages for food. The period between births can be as short as one year but at least one study has shown that it typically spans about two years between births.^[6] Sexual maturity is reached at a time of 20 months.^[7] Their lifespan is about 15 years in nature and up to 20 years in captivity.

Red ruffed lemur groups are territorial and typically do not venture far from their home range. They will have territory disputes with other groups at times and defend their territory aggressively. The females do the majority of the defense due to their status as dominant figures in the group. ^[5]

[edit] Taxonomy

• Genus Varecia
  • Black-and-white Ruffed Lemur, Varecia variegata
    • Varecia variegata variegata
    • Varecia variegata editorum
    • Varecia variegata subcincta
  • Red Ruffed Lemur, Varecia rubra

[edit] External links

• Primate Info Net Varecia Factsheets

[edit] References

1. ^ Groves, Colin (16 November 2005). Wilson, D. E., and Reeder, D. M. (eds): Mammal Species of the World, 3rd edition, Johns Hopkins University Press, 117. ISBN 0-801-88221-4.
2. ^ San Francisco Zoo Animals Descriptions
3. ^ Bristol Zoo Gardens
4. ^ The Wild Ones Animal Index
5. ^ ^{a b} Woodland Park Zoo
6. ^ Information on Endangered Mammals
7. ^ Central Florida Zoo